Melting FMJ Range Scrap

[Jal5]

How are you cutting these FMJ to break the the jackets? I have tried hitting them with a 3# hammer, very tough. Some guys talk about using a clipper or some kind of tool to just cut the jacket. Nothing I have seems to be able to do this. What am I missing?

Joe

[lwknight]

FMJ bullets have open bases. You don't have to do anything to them.
TMJ bullets are the ones that you have to break open. Its easy.
Just 1 or smacks and the jacket is cracked. The lead will run out.
If you cant split the hull with 2or 3 3# hammer blows , they are solid copper.

You are hitting them on concrete or some thick heavy steel , right?

[Jal5]

Thanks for the correction...typo on my part I meant TMJ!
That is about what I am doing- 3 blows with the 3# hammer to split them.
Occasionally one doesn't split at all. I wondered if there was an easier way?

Joe

[imashooter2]

I use a 22 ounce checkered face framing hammer. If it doesn't split on the first hit, I pitch it. Life's too short.

[fredj338]

Thanks for the correction...typo on my part I meant TMJ!
That is about what I am doing- 3 blows with the 3# hammer to split them.
Occasionally one doesn't split at all. I wondered if there was an easier way?

Joe
Get a bigger hammer! When I bother w/ the TMJ, I use a small 6# sledge, one smack on conc, done.

[Rock]

3 lb hammer is more than sufficient. I hit mine twice with a 3 lb hammer and they bullet is squashed very flat. I suspect you need a better backstop. I use a piece of railroad track iron about 2 feet long. It does not yield :)

[Jal5]

Think I will try hitting some on the concrete. Was using the flat on a bench vise for the base, but that does move some.

Joe