.458 jackets from copper tubing.

[just bill]

There are some great threads on .458 jackets from .40 and .45 acp brass,along with some terrific pictures. However is any one using copper tubing? My next purchase would be jacket forming dies from copper tubing. I did a search and could not find what I was looking for. Maybe it is that I am search challenged. The only reason I ask is that if we continue to use brass, it will become an endangered commodity like several reloading/swaging products.


Thanks in advance,

Bill

[bullet maker 57]

Dave Corbin, Richard Corbin, BT Sniper(vendor sponsor), H-G Firearms. They all make tubing jacket setups. I am sure there are a lot more.

[just bill]

bullet maker 57,

Thanks for the info, I know at least three more manufacturers however, I'm looking for some one who is already making jackets from copper tubing in .458 or .50 any large caliber to get some insight. I've seen posts and threads on .22 and .30 cal's. I like to research the ins and outs before spending another couple hundred dollars on dies etc. This is my retirement hobby and I have to pick and choose new equipment carefully.

Bill

[frank martinez]

My friend at Star reloading is using the copper tubing sold by Corbin. If you are wanting to use plumbers' copper for water lines this is not what Bill uses. If you would like to send me your phone number I will pass it on to Bill.
Frank

[just bill]

PM sent

Thanks

[Lead pot]

I make my jackets from copper tubing for the .22, .308 and the large bore lever rifles .429 and .458.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b302/940Leadpot/IMG_0193.jpg (http://s22.photobucket.com/user/940Leadpot/media/IMG_0193.jpg.html)
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww43/Kurtalt/th_IMG_0290.jpg (http://s704.photobucket.com/user/Kurtalt/media/IMG_0290.jpg.html) http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww43/Kurtalt/th_IMG_0291.jpg (http://s704.photobucket.com/user/Kurtalt/media/IMG_0291.jpg.html)

[just bill]

Lead Pot,

Good looking stuff. PM sent.

Thanks,

Bill

[BT Sniper]

Great looking jackets lead pot!

The real challenge in using copper tubing IMOP is how to cut it to exact lengths. Notice how square and debured lead pot's tube is before it is formed into a jacket.

Some info from those of you cutting tubing to exact lengths would be a great help.

To make .458s from typical hardware copper tubing you would have to start with 1/2" and size it down after the jacket is formed. I don't know of any tubing between 1/2" and 3/8" does any one else know of a size available between these two sizes?

BT

[Prospector Howard]

I think if I were going to swage .458 bullets, I'd use old brass cases that weren't reloadable anymore; like .308, 30-06 and such. One small draw from .470 to .455 or so. I've often thought about buying a .458 Winchester just for that purpose. I could use all that berdan primed 8mm for jackets that I've shot and saved over the years. Man, what a project, but more money for another rifle. It never ends.

[Lead pot]

Not much of a problem cutting the jackets to the proper length. I converted a chain saw sharpener with a thin diamond cutting blade. You can get these blades that are.004" thick if you want to go this thin but they get a little fragile. The saws you can get for $40. and up.
This is a good one I like. http://www.gemplers.com/product/163099/Timber-Tuff-Saw-Chain-Sharpener-Upright-Bench-Wall-mount
Make a stop for the tubing to stop for length but you have to be careful not to bind it when you cut through so you dont throw it around the room.
For the .44 and .45 I use 1/2" OD type L or K soft or hard copper tubing and size the made cups down to .429 or run the swaged bullets through a couple reducing dies and run them back through the swage point form die again.

[Lead pot]

Here are some wall thickness you can get.


http://www.zorotools.com/g/Type%20L%20M%20and%20K%20Copper%20Water%20Tubing%2 0Straight%20Lengths/00060323/