Blackwater
05-22-2007, 12:09 AM
I've got a #4 Mk I in .303 that I will be getting restocked and sporterizing into a pretty nice stalking type rifle of sorts, and I've been toying with ideas. It'll be nearly dedicated to cast bullets, I think.
What are the chances of recreating the old original 215 gr. bullet load using a gas checked lead bullet - velocity 2000-2100 fps.? I'm looking hard at the 311284 mould for this. I keep thinking, what with all the great refs for hollowpointing, that I could make a fixture on the lathe that'd allow me to use center drills (for the flare above the stubby point), drills and assorted burrs to custom shape a hollow point in it, and then test that big ol' long bullet out for expansion, maybe out to 300 yds., though my eyes won't let me shoot irons that far at anything but gongs and stuff nowadays.
I know some here have done something like this, or darn close, and what's life without a challenge? I'm thinking I will likely have to firelap the bore, and even then that top velocity may be a bit high. That long bullet ought to retain its velocity well on out there, and IF I can get it to expand, it'd be a darn fine killer, I think, on deer and such. Though I INTEND to use irons only, my eyes and my demands for shootable accuracy will likely make me use a scope, at least some of the time on it. I'm such a vascillator sometimes about this!
Is this asking too much, or is it possible? Just trying to get a bit of a feel for what MIGHT be possible, and any recommendations that might enhance my chances of success would be appreciated. Proper bullet fit to throat and bore are a given, of course. I may even be willing to rebarrel this old gun. The stock's going to be really neat. A buddy has the pattern, and we'll be sending it and some wood off soon to have them roughed out on a pantograph. I'm really looking forward to this rifle's completion, and of course, HAVE to have some "big plans" for it while I wait. Thanks for any tips and experience with this.
What are the chances of recreating the old original 215 gr. bullet load using a gas checked lead bullet - velocity 2000-2100 fps.? I'm looking hard at the 311284 mould for this. I keep thinking, what with all the great refs for hollowpointing, that I could make a fixture on the lathe that'd allow me to use center drills (for the flare above the stubby point), drills and assorted burrs to custom shape a hollow point in it, and then test that big ol' long bullet out for expansion, maybe out to 300 yds., though my eyes won't let me shoot irons that far at anything but gongs and stuff nowadays.
I know some here have done something like this, or darn close, and what's life without a challenge? I'm thinking I will likely have to firelap the bore, and even then that top velocity may be a bit high. That long bullet ought to retain its velocity well on out there, and IF I can get it to expand, it'd be a darn fine killer, I think, on deer and such. Though I INTEND to use irons only, my eyes and my demands for shootable accuracy will likely make me use a scope, at least some of the time on it. I'm such a vascillator sometimes about this!
Is this asking too much, or is it possible? Just trying to get a bit of a feel for what MIGHT be possible, and any recommendations that might enhance my chances of success would be appreciated. Proper bullet fit to throat and bore are a given, of course. I may even be willing to rebarrel this old gun. The stock's going to be really neat. A buddy has the pattern, and we'll be sending it and some wood off soon to have them roughed out on a pantograph. I'm really looking forward to this rifle's completion, and of course, HAVE to have some "big plans" for it while I wait. Thanks for any tips and experience with this.