Aluminium bullets

[Oldbloke]

Just to add, al is in some situations explosive. Not sure under this stuation.

[1290]

The hardness of Al, compared to lead wold mean that the sizing would have to be considered, bring the diameter down compared to lead so that the engraving is reduced... to result in a similar resistance to lead. Much like 303 bullets are undersized, by design, to groove diameter....

[Oldbloke]

Silly discussion. Too low a sg to be of real use. Perhaps for the fun or challenge of trying, but thats it.

[rainwalker]

then theres the hardness issue which would alter the pressure effects (easier/more difficult to engrave / more or less pressure) given that Al is 2x or so the hardness of Lead.... pressure will rise.

How about hardness compared to a solid copper projectile?

[Blackened]

this forum cant afford to lose 'talent'...

'talent' is only worth so much grief. Knowing a lot, contributing a lot, doesn't mean you can be an asshole a lot too. Helping one person while berating and insulting two others is not a winning formula.

It's a problem that effects all forums to some extent. More often than you'd like people who contribute more than others think it gives them the right to tote it over other people. They expect complaints about them to be dismissed, and anyone they complain about to be censured or banned immediately. They sling as much as they get then play the victim over the whole incident.

Whether you started an argument, continue in, rise to the bait or only responded doesn't matter. Pick whatever quip you like... "It takes two to tango", "If you're not part of the solution you're part of the problem".... When you're involved in 10 pointless arguments a week derailing every topic you take part in you're definitely part of the problem.

The fact that we're discussing this in an genuine, curious enquiry about casting bullets is proof of this.

The vast majority of members have no dramas here at all. Differences of opinion are discussed or disputed calmly without name calling or ill feelings. A few can't seem to let things drop though and pointless arguments follow them around because of it. A few people have consistently been involved in pointless and damaging arguments here for an extended period of time and enough is enough. "If you're not part of the solution you're part of the problem". Now they're gone.

The later few need to accept that people won't always agree with then and that they don't get the last word on all things. That's how the rest of us get by peacefully and stress free.

You may have caught the reason 'goodbye' topic before it was removed which was nothing but a swearing filled page of abuse directed at half a dozen other members the OP had issue with. There is no excuse for this kind of thing.

We try not to step in too much because we don't want to be dictating conversations or taking sides. We accept people have different points of view and rely on members to do the same. I'm sure you'll have observed 95% of members here have never said a harsh word to another member. There is no reason the other 5% couldn't be the same.

We take no pleasure in banning people but eventually enough is enough. A few have gone, if others 'rise' to take their place they'll go too.

Perhaps we allow things to go on to long and should be taking action sooner. Something for the future...

(This topic comes to mind: How to have a disagreement.)

[Klem]

Perhaps for the fun or challenge of trying, but thats it.

Two good reasons to do anything

[1290]

When I used to term talent... I should have put a few of these in with it


When it comes to baiting, there are a few master-class baiters here The trouble is sometimes its hard to read someones expression when they hit submit, to tell whether their tongue is firmly planted in the cheek...

[Blackened]

The trouble is sometimes its hard to read someones expression when they hit submit, to tell whether their tongue is firmly planted in the cheek...

That's true. In either case it's no reason to fly of the handle as some do.

Anyway... Back to business...

[on_one_wheel]

When I used to term talent... I should have put a few of these in with it


When it comes to baiting, there are a few master-class baiters here The trouble is sometimes its hard to read someones expression when they hit submit, to tell whether their tongue is firmly planted in the cheek...

"master baiter " didnt know you could say that here.

[ghunther]

I see what you did there

[Monty]

When I used to term talent... I should have put a few of these in with it

So... Distinct lack of crazy bastards?

We'll take it as a compliment

[brett1868]

I doubt a %100 cast aluminium projectile will work as so many posters have alluded to already. Maybe if you wanted to lighten a high BC projectile you could use a cast aluminium core to reduce the weight in relation to size. The Hornady 750gr 50cal AMAX projectiles use such a core made from aluminium to keep projectile weight down while achieving a BC of 1.050 with a length over 2". While the cast aluminium projectile may not be feasible, you could use it as the base to custom build a specific length and weight around that will work.

[Octane]

Maybe if you wanted to lighten a high BC projectile you could use a cast aluminium core to reduce the weight in relation to size. The Hornady 750gr 50cal AMAX projectiles use such a core made from aluminium to keep projectile weight down while achieving a BC of 1.050 with a length over 2". While the cast aluminium projectile may not be feasible, you could use it as the base to custom build a specific length and weight around that will work.

I'm doubtful you could get the precision required for balance in a home casting setup to achieve the above though?

[1290]

I doubt a %100 cast aluminium projectile will work as so many posters have alluded to already. Maybe if you wanted to lighten a high BC projectile you could use a cast aluminium core to reduce the weight in relation to size. The Hornady 750gr 50cal AMAX projectiles use such a core made from aluminium to keep projectile weight down while achieving a BC of 1.050 with a length over 2". While the cast aluminium projectile may not be feasible, you could use it as the base to custom build a specific length and weight around that will work.

Mass factors in favour of a projectiles BC, relative to the SD; lightening would reduce the BC for a given form.....
Amax has Al core??
You could use a core to more the centre of mass around, to alter the ballistics and terminal ballistics, provided the core is (absolutely)centred it wont alter the rotational balance.

[brett1868]

Definaty aluminium cored, I've shot plenty of them and recovered several cores. Will try posting a pic tonight if I make it home. Hard to tell if the AMAX core is cast or machined, based on a retail cost of $4.20 each they might be machined. These projectiles have achieved 2" groups at 1000 yards so are reasonably accurate.

[1290]

If you make it home?
You're either the ultimate pessimist , or SOMEONE has a big night planned

[Josh Smith]

I believe I saw Barnes (or someone) making zinc and copper bullets someplace today, Midway USA perhaps.

The high melting temps have kept me away from experimenting with alternative metals.

Josh

[brett1868]

Top to bottom - AMAX 50 BMG showing aluminium tip (couldn't find a recovered core), 50 BMG WBC Brass VLD, What's left after passing through a 1/2" steel plate and 2 railway sleepers before being embedded in a bank some 40m back, AMAX copper jacket, WBC Beta .416 VLD, WBC .416 recovered from dam wall, What's left after 750m into a 1/2" steel plate (didn't penetrate but made a big dent).
Plenty of different materials available to make projectiles and I'm sure we will be seeing some new materials in the near future.

[Aster]

found a sectioned specimen of a Amax, showing ally tip;

amax.jpg (7.52 KiB) Viewed 2615 times

Would have been interesting retrieving those examples...

You can see how those turned projjies have 3 driving bands...interesting

[south]

Mass factors in favour of a projectiles BC, relative to the SD; lightening would reduce the BC for a given form.....

Brain starting to hurt....

[Pom]

These projectiles have achieved 2" groups at 1000 yards so are reasonably accurate.

Just "reasonably" ?

You've got high bloody standards

[Tiiger]

Hard to tell if the AMAX core is cast or machined, based on a retail cost of $4.20 each they might be machined.

Looking at the cutaway 1290 posted the top of that core is looking a bit sloppy....

Right side of core in particular in relation to the copper jacket.