Powder Coating Tray for Rifle Bullets

[remannino]

So, got frustrated with the powder coating process because I couldn't keep non-gas checked bullets standing in the drilled tray. After trying various size holes with no luck keeping them standing when moved it to the oven I figured there had to be a better way. Here is what I came up with...

I figured I could find a high temp rubber grommet which would hold the tip of the bullet. Well, after researching and talking to a few rubber distributors I found that it's not a rubber grommet but a silicone grommet which can withstand temps up to 500 degrees.

Here are the results....

The tray with the grommets inserted in the holes. Ya, took a bit of time getting these little buggers in there!


Testing to see if they would stay...I was impressed!


In the oven, notice nothing tipped over!


Out of the oven, no tipping here either!


Results!


I did notice that trying to remove them while they were still pretty hot they fought back but when they cooled they popped right out. Guessing the silicone grommets cooled and constricted and released them.

Now, for the bad news...the silicone grommets are a bit expensive and hard to find. I found these after calling three different distributors and they required a minimum of a $150 dollar order which was 375 grommets. Yes, you do the math but was worth the cost! Maybe I could have found them cheaper if it tried more distributors.

Hope this helps others...because it solved my frustrations!

[xacex]

Nice solution! I might have to look around for some of those buggers. I didn't even know silicone grommets existed. What are they normally used for? Oven wiring or something similar?

[Finster101]

Sounds like group buy potential!

[pretzelxx]

Group buy, I need 22 cal! Haha. I actually thought of a material like that cause I saw some weird cupcake "pans" that were temperature resistant. I figured make an entire test out of it, but I think the grommets are a much better option. I didn't make a tray, because well... I don't manufacture stuff like that. And, I'm sure you could market these as prototype holders with those spares have.

[xacex]

looks like Granger has some that withstand 400F.

http://www.grainger.com/product/Grom...RP7?s_pp=false

[remannino]

Here are the specs for the ones I got...

ID 3/16
GW 1/16
GD 5/16
OD 7/16
THK 3/16

Got these from the distributed Minor Rubber

[remannino]

The Granger part number is the same number which Minor sells them. Of course the price is better! Grrr

[remannino]

Not sure of the temp difference but these didn't melt or deform at 400 degrees in my cheap-o oven. Will see how long they last.

[xacex]

I think that is who Granger is ordering them from. Well, now you know where you can get them by the 25 pack without a huge buy. Keep us updated on how they hold up.

[Walter Laich]

do you do anything to the nose or just shoot it that way?

[remannino]

Just shoot it, since it doesn't ride the barrel it's all good.

[Garyshome]

So how did you get the PC on the boolits? Tumble? Then load them in the tray?

[remannino]

No electrostatic using the HF gun

[Walter Laich]

Just shoot it, since it doesn't ride the barrel it's all good.

Makes sense--thanks

[remannino]

Reporting back. So far after 8 hearings to 400 +/- the silicone grommets haven't shown any signs of melting or hardening.

[Hang Fire]

Years ago when I worked on gas turbines we used Kalriz o-rings for high heat. Viton is another heat resistant material for o-rings.

Kalrez O-Rings - Marco Rubber
www.marcorubber.com/kalrezindustrial.htm‎ Cached
Similar

Kalrez O-Ring material selection and specification and grove design. ... A maximum operating temperature of 316ºC (600ºF) is recommended, with short ...

[xacex]

I have been looking for an easy alternative for P/C non-h/p rifle boolits. Looks like this might be a good method. Is that boolit you are coating the NOE 311-247? I have that one but have hardly used it. I think the mold has been casted with once.

[remannino]

I have been looking for an easy alternative for P/C non-h/p rifle boolits. Looks like this might be a good method. Is that boolit you are coating the NOE 311-247? I have that one but have hardly used it. I think the mold has been casted with once.

Yup, that the 247 alright. Using it for subsonic out of a 300 Blackout. Casts really well and shoots even better!

[odette]

I drill holes just big enough to put the gas check end in. I use roofing tin, drill the holes, shake coat the bullets and place in the holes. I use short small bolts and nuts to space the bullets on tin above the tray and bake as normal. Gas check covers area that PC might be flawed

[Dutchninja]

remannino - FYI for non ES method, lot cheaper than $150 but your idea is really ingenious!