Rotational speed (reduced):
I did consider the reduced-rpm factor, and decided that for THIS test, it wasn't important. This is because the reduction in velocity only amounts to 10% to 15% from what I'd consider to be a full-power CAST hunting load, and the same sort of reduction in the jacketed 'control' load.
That is, the .30s are running about 10% less than full power jacketed loads (2500 vs 2800 or so) and the 311299 at 1800 is about 15% under what I consider a reasonable hunting-level speed for a 210 cast bullet (1800 vs 2100). The .338s at 1800 are similarly (15%) reduced from the 2100-2200 speed range which I think is easily reached, with hunting accuracy, with the Lee 220-grain bullet.
I'll be interested to see how the .45 bullets perform at their lower speed of 1500 fps.
Another reason that reduced rotation speed is non-critical here is that ALL the loads which are reduced, are reduced in similar degrees, meaning that the results among the various bullets should still bear a valid relationship.
Later on, perhaps I'll do another test (if the box survives this go-round) , firing full-power loads from 100 yards. It would be interesting, to say the least, to compare the point-blank expansion at reduced speeds with the 'real' loads at 'real' distance. I'd have to give VERY careful attention to my zeroing!
Bullets striking other bullets inside the box:
I dropped a couple of bullets into the pot of fully-soaked rice, to see what would happen. Both bullets could be heard striking the bottom of the pot very shortly after going out of sight, so I'm not very worried about collisions. Even if such collisions were to occur, they would be at much-reduced speed, for certain, after a couple of feet of penetration in the slurry. A "slurry" is a substance capable of being pumped from place to place, not a solid mass. Y'all will note that i mentioned a "layer of water"above the surface of the rice.....this stuff will be a good bit thinner than oatmeal (which was also considered as a medium). This leads me to....
Partitions in the box:
With the medium being a semi-liquid, waterproofness in the partitions would be essential. Anyway, all I really want to find out is the final form of the bullets, and how/when they assume that form isn't too critical at THIS time....maybe later, it will be.
Lloyd's generous offer of some bullets to test:
THANKS, Lloyd. Since I want to fire this test in the next few days, there won't be enough time. If I extend this to further tests, I'll sure keep the offer in mind. You sobered up yet? Always remember: " 'Reality' is for those who can't tolerate alcohol or drugs."
Waksupi's "unexpected consequences on the first shot":
O ye of little faith!!!!!! I'll have you know that I yam a PROFESSIONAL tinkerer/disaster-maker, and I won't admit that anything going wrong was 'unexpected'. Murphy is one of my best acquaintances. Still, if nobody hears anything for a few days after next weekend, y'all might consider sending a search party. Bring beer.