Compressed loads for consistent accuracy - stopping flyers?

[brisb]

Hi guys.

I'm a bit through some load development for .308. I'm doing some light pills for a low recoil load, it's one to share with the missus.

I got a decent accuracy load at the bottom and top of the scale, and don't really need the velocity. The low charge ones seem to have a few more flyers than normal though.

I've never paid much attention to case density before, just whatever was shooting best.

Could this be playing a part for the lighter powder charge cartridges? The extra flyers?

[Baldrick314]

The benefit of having a load that fills most of the case is that powder should burn uniformly in each case when they're sat ij the receiver.

You shouldn't need to go to compressed loads for this. As long as you have good case density (90%+) and weigh your charges consistently you shouldn't have much trouble with flyers.

It's a good theory you have but compressed loads can prove to be high pressure loads in some cartridges/ with some powders

[DaleH]

Interesting point on lighter loads.
The SAAMI have within their test procedures a section on the handling of rounds leading up to the firing of the round. this procedure is in place to ensure that the powder charge is not compacted nor concentrated at either end of the cartridge (which could lead to variations in performance).
Put simply, the cartridges must be stored primer down. When ready for firing, removed carefully from the storage block, rotated slowly through 360 degrees (end for end) with a pause when the powder is at the bullet end and again when the cartridge is point up. The cartridge is rotated slowly and the minimum amount necessary to feed it into the chamber and is seated as far into the chamber bu hand as possible and the action closed gently as not to disturb the position of the powder within the case.
The stated objective of this is to position the propellant at the primer end of the case.

[vexesus]

Interested info from SAAMI, I wonder how many people have actually been bothered to do all that though instead of just chucking a round in

[DaleH]

Or just give them a good shake

[Guliver]

I've seen light black power revolver loads topped off with polenta as a filler to keep powder in place.

Just did a search https://www.google.com.au/search?q=pole ... 8QfwpIHIBw looks like some folks use it in cartridge loads too.

[pmomd]

Or just give them a good shake

Yeah I reckon. Bugger doing that whole ballet dance for every cartridge like SAAMI suggest

[Hilux2003]

brisb,
What is the load, projectile mass, powder, etc. you are trying out & getting flyers (I assume they are 'really odd flyers).
It's a bit hard to work out a solution/suggestion with no info.

If it's trail boss your using, try a drop tube.

[brisb]

Hi Hilux,

The load is 125gr Nosler BT's with 45gr of 2206H.

Remington brass if it matters.

[Warrigul]

I've seen light black power revolver loads topped off with polenta as a filler to keep powder in place.

Just did a search https://www.google.com.au/search?q=pole ... 8QfwpIHIBw looks like some folks use it in cartridge loads too.

The use of fillers with blackpowder is more associated with safety than holding the charge against the primer.

Search for "black powder loads air gaps" if you wish to know more.

A proper manual, and the ability to read, is essential for blackpowder loading- indeed all reloading whatever the powder.

[RealNick]

Polenta as in the food?

That must rot and break down in the case obviously...

Would you not be better off using something a bit more stable like sawdust or something?

[DaleH]

We played with cotton wool on low power 45's many years ago - seemed to work. Made nice fluffy clouds of gun smoke though

[Warrigul]

Polenta as in the food?

That must rot and break down in the case obviously...

Would you not be better off using something a bit more stable like sawdust or something?

The sawdust may be a fire issue?

That reminds me of a deceased mate who used to load his double barrel muzzle loading shotgun with tightly wrapped (don't try this at home kids)toilet paper as the wadding before and after the shot- smoking bits of bog roll everywhere and grass fires were a regular occurance- definately a winter occupation.

[Guliver]

Polenta as in the food?

Yes as in cornmeal http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornmeal.

You can make corn bread at the same time, eat it hot it isn't great cold. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornbread

[chacka]

They do 'rock salt' shotgun shells or something right?

"Polenta Shells" - get a face food of freshly cooked corn bread

[lole]

Corn Bread at 1,600 FPS.

Probably tastes bad IMO

[Vati]

Shotgun food, for the busy professional with no time to eat