Swaged bullet postal shoot. Everyone welcome.

[MIBULLETS]

Did you fold the jacket over the base of the bullet at all? If not you may have the jacket slpit like a banana when it leaves the muzzle from the gas pressure. Thanks for the tip on using shot!

[Lizard333]

Did you fold the jacket over the base of the bullet at all? If not you may have the jacket slpit like a banana when it leaves the muzzle from the gas pressure. Thanks for the tip on using shot!

Funny you mention that. The short answer is no. I'd would have happy if all the bullets did were "bananna". These grenaded. I did get a great group with the brass.

Attachment 59056

I should have brought a hundred foot tape to get the group on the hillside. Might have been big enough. This morning was disappointing to say the least.

What do you use to fold over the base?

[MIBULLETS]

I have done it by seating the core short of the jacket edge by the amount you determine, then flip the bullet around and put it in the point form die to start the base curving in. The turn it around again and flatten the base while repointing the tip. It works ok if you get the settings just right but i've heard if you have a punch that is slightly concaved and use it before the final flat punch the results are better. You won't be able to get as heavy of a bullet though since you have to leave some of the jacket empty to fold over the base. 55-58gr seems about right if I remember. You could try 22 mag or 17 HMR brass though to make them longer and heavier. I have not tried that.

[Smokin7mm]

Just use a shortened 17HM or 22mag. I made some 22cal bullets that were 100gr for a friend that he was shooting in a XP-100 in 22BR with a 1-7" twist. I use a HF chop saw and a little jig I made to fit in the vise of the saw to get consistant length. Derimming takes a little more force than a standard 22lr. I use a Walnut hill swaging press so it is much easier than on a reloading press. Can be pretty tough on a reloading press. Could use a slightly smaller punch on the derimming die to ease the operation.

Bret

[BT Sniper]

I posted my address on post #1 of this thread for all offical target entries to be sent to. Once I receive all entries I'll send them off to be offically scored.

Two more weekends! Hope everyone is going to get a chance to put some bullets in some targets!


I plan to run these postal shoots every other month as long as there is intrest.

Thanks

Brian

[supe47]

In my package from Brian (BT SNIPER) enclosed were 25 55ish grain bullets made from 22LR cases. He was kind enough to send me these to use in the postal shoot. While I did want to wait until I could shoot my own homemades I figured...why not give 'em a try. Not having a load worked up for these I just loaded them over the same load I use for the 60 grainers I normally shoot. With 25 of Brians and 25 factory bullets (for a control group) I headed for the range. After setting up I shot about 15 factory bullet rounds to warm up. I could see this wasn't going to be my best day. My groups were acting weird and seemed to be opening up. I blamed it on my grip and played around with that a bit. Oh heck with it, let's shoot the postal shoot targets. I did terrible. All 4 of the 5 shot groups (2 targets) were at best 1.25" and worst 1.5". This was shot from a Savage Model 12 BTCSS that I put 5 mostly under a quarter at 300 yds earlier. I was upset to say the least. Hell with it, I'll just empty the last 10 rounds and go home and sulk. With 3 rounds left I noticed when I would open my bolt my scope was moving. What's wrong here? Upon further inspection I found out my action was LOOSE and shifting back and forth whenever I cycled the bolt. I was so engrossed in the postal shoot that I hadn't notice the action shifting back and forth. Now that explained a lot. I could understand an unknown load shooting poorly but my tried and trued load grouping like a shotgun....come on. Bottom line, the bullets from Brian did just what they were supposed to do, exit the barrel at a decent speed and go through the target pointie end first. Accuracy? I couldn't tell ya. Not with a rifle that almost rattles when shaken. I sure felt a fool. Luckily I've learned to laugh at myself. Actually it made me feel pretty good. It explained why my groups have been deteriorating. As soon as I recieve the last installment of dies from Brian I'll try it all again. If group size is any indication, these puppies will shoot as well as my store bought bullets. Guess I'll just have to wait until the next postal shoot to find out. Guess it's true..."ain't no fool like an old fool". And I was so excited.
Supe

P.S. You know I'll be testing my rifle next week. This ain't over yet.

[BT Sniper]

I might be able to get you some more bullets in time!

So these bullets I make can shoot 1.25 MOA with a loose fitting action to stock! Well, that certainly seems like a worst case senerio, seems like they have the potential to do a LOT better


Let me see if I can get a few more your way in time! I know I can. I'll probably have them in the mail Monday if all goes well!

Thanks for the report. Still looking for that magic report of under .5 MOA!

Brian

p.s. thank goodness you found the problem. Better check everything else too just to make sure

[supe47]

I do believe that can and will happen. I'll hit the range Tues to check it out, going to be sprinklie and in the mid 50's Mon. Yup, we have it tough in SoCAL. I'm getting a lot of interest about swaging at the range. I think a good showing would put a few of these guys over the top. Thanks Brian.
Supe

[BT Sniper]

Your all welcome! I'll get some bullets to your door by Firday next week if you think you will have time to put some on paper. Might be able to get some there sooner but as you can imagine things are busy and I got to make some first.

BT

[fredj338]

I've used the program Brian, works quite well. It does need a scanned target for best resolution, not a photo.

[scarry scarney]

How NOT to shoot a postal shoot.

Bring only one target.
Bring only 25 rounds.
Set target at 130 yards instead of 100 yards.
Forget to bring spotting scope.
Have a rifle rest that doesn't fit the rifle.
Instead of sighting rifle in, fire cold on match target, 5 rounds of course.
Use Kentucky windage for remaining shots.
Try to do this during a lunch break (1 hour) while at work.

Case: Previously (once?) fired Winchester .223
Primer: Win Small Rifle
Powder: 20 grns Accurate Arms 2230
Press: Dillon 550
Dies: RCBS regular rifle, with a Lee crimp die
Rifle: EAC AR-15, 16" barrell, ACOG Scope (CA Registered Evil Assualt Weapon)

First target, five shots fired, Two on paper, ouch!
Second target, nice group around center, not tight, but not bad for Kentucky windage on an M4 style AR-15 with an ACOG for a scope. Only problem just four shots on paper!
Third target (single shot for center), well at least I hit the paper!




Anyhow, I "shot" the match. It was fun. After shooting, measure the distance, and its 130 yards, not 100. I stand a chance if no one else participates, lol



For next time,
1) Sight rifle in
2) Bring plenty of ammo
3) Measure distance to target
4) Bring spotting scope
5) Use a rest that fits the rifle
6) Take your time, Dont rush it.


But it was good to get away for lunch to do this rather than eating. Well, I did only shoot 11 out of 25 rounds.

I was going to attempt to shoot again this last week of January. But, Second thought, I'm sending this one in. If no one else participates, I win! If more participate, well some one has to come in last. Ok fellow swaggers, it's up to you to beat me now!

Happy shooting, Happy Swaging out there.

[firefly1957]

Sounds like my luck Scarry My rifle would not zero and wind gusts affected .221 pistol more than i expected! next time i should be better prepared i shot up all of the pistol ammo but still have 30 .223 ready but weather has not been good here when i can shoot.

[BT Sniper]

Last weekend coming up for this first shoot. I'll continue with another shoot the same as this one to follow.

I plan on getting out one more time, I got several loads to test for potential accuracy.

BT

[newcastter]

Who's dies did those projectiles come from?

How NOT to shoot a postal shoot.

Bring only one target.
Bring only 25 rounds.
Set target at 130 yards instead of 100 yards.
Forget to bring spotting scope.
Have a rifle rest that doesn't fit the rifle.
Instead of sighting rifle in, fire cold on match target, 5 rounds of course.
Use Kentucky windage for remaining shots.
Try to do this during a lunch break (1 hour) while at work.

Case: Previously (once?) fired Winchester .223
Primer: Win Small Rifle
Powder: 20 grns Accurate Arms 2230
Press: Dillon 550
Dies: RCBS regular rifle, with a Lee crimp die
Rifle: EAC AR-15, 16" barrell, ACOG Scope (CA Registered Evil Assualt Weapon)

First target, five shots fired, Two on paper, ouch!
Second target, nice group around center, not tight, but not bad for Kentucky windage on an M4 style AR-15 with an ACOG for a scope. Only problem just four shots on paper!
Third target (single shot for center), well at least I hit the paper!




Anyhow, I "shot" the match. It was fun. After shooting, measure the distance, and its 130 yards, not 100. I stand a chance if no one else participates, lol



For next time,
1) Sight rifle in
2) Bring plenty of ammo
3) Measure distance to target
4) Bring spotting scope
5) Use a rest that fits the rifle
6) Take your time, Dont rush it.


But it was good to get away for lunch to do this rather than eating. Well, I did only shoot 11 out of 25 rounds.

I was going to attempt to shoot again this last week of January. But, Second thought, I'm sending this one in. If no one else participates, I win! If more participate, well some one has to come in last. Ok fellow swaggers, it's up to you to beat me now!

Happy shooting, Happy Swaging out there.

[scarry scarney]

The second target, I thought was pretty good. BT made the bullets for me. Some real good looking bullets. It is clearly a case of the trigger puller not performing.

BTW, the ACOG is only 3 power.

I am hoping and expecting to do better next time out.

[BT Sniper]

Certainly good shooting with only 3X. I like the look of the weather. Haven't seen teh sun here in quite a while

I'm starting to receive a few targets. Member shot a pretty awesome target with some 6mm bullets made from 22mag!

Keep at it and good shooting

BT

[scarry scarney]

I'm just a "few" miles south of you, but the gun laws and taxes are driving me nuts! Before anyone calls the gun gestopos on me, my AR is legal, and I was using a ten round magazine in it. No liberals had a heart attack or had their sense of socialism threatened.

But you are always welcome to come down and enjoy the sun.

Swag on!

[SquirrelHollow]

The weather has successfully shut me down for more than a week. So, I'll have to catch the next one.

[MIBULLETS]

The weather has successfully shut me down for more than a week. So, I'll have to catch the next one.

Same here. When out last weekend to try to shoot my target. Weather was fine on the way to the range, but by the time I got ready to shoot, I could just see the 100 yard target through the snow flying sideways. This weekend is our aniversary, so no shooting for me. I should be able to get into the next one though.

[BT Sniper]

I'm just wating for teh wind to stop blowing, Been 20 kts for the last few days. Should die down by this weekend at which time I plan to shoot some targets. We still got this final weekend for the first shoot.

BT