Tubs wrote:Hi All,
Noob question but if Im not compressing the powder is there any issue with a shorter overall cartridge length?
I bought some Black Widow 165gr cast RNFP .30 bullets for my 308. I have been seating them low with a COL of 2.61 inches, it isnt compressing the powder (I ca hear the powder shaking around). Im making both light loads using Trailboss and standard loads using 2206H.
These 165gr cast bullets are a bit odd as they are aprox the same length as my 130gr Speer HP's ie: they are short.
Thanks,
LawrenceA wrote:As stated above no compression on TB.
For the normal loads 2207 would probably burn better as cast bullets create less pressure than copper jacketed.
Not familiar with the Black Widow pill but most cast are designed for the 30-30 and as such there will be a crimping groove.
Basically there is no issue going shorter.
It is worth noting that many guns shoot best with the bullets just off or touching the rifling.
I think Black widow are hard cast and powder coated so you should be able to drive them hard enough to hunt with if you desired.
Tubs wrote:Hi All,
Noob question but if Im not compressing the powder is there any issue with a shorter overall cartridge length?
I bought some Black Widow 165gr cast RNFP .30 bullets for my 308. I have been seating them low with a COL of 2.61 inches, it isnt compressing the powder (I ca hear the powder shaking around). Im making both light loads using Trailboss and standard loads using 2206H.
These 165gr cast bullets are a bit odd as they are aprox the same length as my 130gr Speer HP's ie: they are short.
Thanks,
LawrenceA wrote:As stated above no compression on TB.
For the normal loads 2207 would probably burn better as cast bullets create less pressure than copper jacketed.
Not familiar with the Black Widow pill but most cast are designed for the 30-30 and as such there will be a crimping groove.
Basically there is no issue going shorter.
It is worth noting that many guns shoot best with the bullets just off or touching the rifling.
I think Black widow are hard cast and powder coated so you should be able to drive them hard enough to hunt with if you desired.
Tubs wrote:Thanks, Ive got plenty of 2206H, these trailboss loads are just for cheap plinking and some bunny busting. Black Widow rated up to 3000 fps apparently, ie a hot load....
bladeracer wrote:Tubs wrote:Thanks, Ive got plenty of 2206H, these trailboss loads are just for cheap plinking and some bunny busting. Black Widow rated up to 3000 fps apparently, ie a hot load....
3000fps is a very hot load for a cast bullet, even powder-coated or plated.
I have fired a soft cast 180gn bullet in 8x57mm at 2544fps just to see what happens, not powder-coated, just checked.
It went through 8mm steel plate at 50m, but it took a long time to clean the bore afterwards
That was on 40gn of AR2206H.
Blr243 wrote:I’m curious , not that I ever intend to push cast fast, but other than leading barrels , what negative things happen when u push cast lead too fast, firstly checked, unchecked, and powder coated ?
Blr243 wrote:Blade that was a very good answer/ explanation .... I had never given any thought to the initial push , and rifling being stripped/ undersize result
LawrenceA wrote:
Personally I'll stick with gas checks and powder coating.
Blr243 wrote:Good info guys. I’m lapping it up.
bladeracer wrote:Blr243 wrote:Good info guys. I’m lapping it up.
If paper-patching is of interest, you might enjoy Paul Mattews' book "The Paper Jacket".
Local library might be able to get it for you, before lashing out $40-50 for a copy.
Tubs wrote:I went from getting 1/2 MOA @ 200 using Sierra MatchKings to 2 MOA @50 using coated lead.
Accuracy with trailboss at short ranges ie: low velocity was better. The full load (41gr 2206H) cast RNFP's kicked like a mule and were way off.
Time to start gas checking maybe? and yes Ill reduce the load of 2206H for the next batch.
At least I know what a gas check is now:)
Tubs wrote:I went from getting 1/2 MOA @ 200 using Sierra MatchKings to 2 MOA @50 using coated lead.
Accuracy with trailboss at short ranges ie: low velocity was better. The full load (41gr 2206H) cast RNFP's kicked like a mule and were way off.
Time to start gas checking maybe? and yes Ill reduce the load of 2206H for the next batch.
At least I know what a gas check is now:)