Patching question

[Blammer]

Ok, I have some slugs that I'm patching.

I wrap with two wraps and get a dia when I mic it to .309. If I put some pressure on the mic, not a lot it goes to .308 dia.

My brl slugs to .308 and I can put a .310 at max into the throat.

How do you guys measure your patched boolits?

[Whaump 'em]

I use the ratcheting attachment on the end of the thimble, this provides the correct torque.
But I think it's more important to have a casting .001" larger than the bore and thick enough paper to add .002"-.003" larger than groove, lightly lubed with LLA.
My experience with .30 cal using 36,000 to 48,000 psi.

[303Guy]

It sounds like you have .309 patched boolits there. Perfect! Only one way to find out if they'll shoot ....

[bcp477]

With smokeless, the "correct" final size range is groove dia. to just a bit over (up to 0.001 or so), depending on what your rifle "likes" best. So, it sounds as if you are on the right track. You'll need to shoot them and see whether your rifle likes .308.....309, or something in between, etc.

As for measurement, you are doing just what we all do. With a micrometer, there isn't any better way to do it. A bit more precise measurement can be made, if the patched bullets are put through a sizing die, after patching, to get to the final dia. That will press out the "air" in the patch, distribute the lube more evenly (if any) and get rid of any wrinkles in the patch. Moderate pressure on the jaws is what is needed for accurate measurement. Of course, stating the obvious, it is better to take several measurements around the bullet and average them, rather than just one.

[Blammer]

thanks guys!

good to know I'm on the right track!

[docone31]

Size it to .308. Seems like an extra step but it is not. The sizeing squares the lube lands, squares the base.
Cut your patches 1 3/8" with a 45* on each end alternating.
Wrap in a cigarette roller, soaking wet.
Twist tail, let dry. I use a 9mm tray from an old box of 9mms.
When dry, snip the tails, lube with auto wax, I prefer Turtle wax. Size to .309.
Should load directly in the cases. Use minimum starting load data for jacketed loads.
Shoot till you need to reload the cases.

[Blammer]

this is what I'm patching.

no lube grooves. :)

these are old patched boolits and have been shot already, I now patch up a bit farther on the boolit to cover the shoulder.

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/blammer8mm/Cast%20boolits%20fun/DSCN7729.jpg

[docone31]

Cool!
You did not knurl in some teeth on the sides of the casting?
Looks good though.
What did you do, go berm diving and got a recovery?
Not too bad.

[Blammer]

no, didn't need to knurl any teeth on the boolits, paper sticks just fine.

they are swaged boolits.

and I guess I worded it wrong. this is an old pic and the boolits have been shot already. No I didn't go and recover any out of the berm.

[docone31]

However they were made, they look well made!
That design carries a lot of weight.
I bet it hits like an hammer.

[Blammer]

I'll shoot a few into water jugs here this week. I'll see if I can post anything on the results.