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Thread: 30 caliber 1/2 jackets

  1. #1
    Boolit Master
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    30 caliber 1/2 jackets

    I have some 30 cal. 1/2 jackets that measure .307 od .017 thick and .274 id. and .335 long. What are they used for? I was thinking of buying a 270 Lee mold and shoot in my 308 bolt gun but a 270 boolit measures .277. The box say .30 caliber Half Jacket .305 diameter.
    Last edited by 45DUDE; 12-14-2022 at 07:18 PM.

  2. #2
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    Winger Ed.'s Avatar
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    Speer and Hornady sell them.
    They're for making your own half jacketed bullets.

    You need a 'swag-a-matic' press to seat the cores.
    The idea is-- what ever a gas check can do,,,,,, a half jacket can do better.
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  3. #3
    Boolit Master
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    Can you use an RCBS press?- I have 4 of those. Looks like too much trouble.

  4. #4
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    You'd have to do some research and read up about these guys that do the swaging and make their own jackets.

    For me- I'm good with cast & regular gas checks, and wouldn't bother.
    I'd think you need a heavier duty press though, and they're out there.
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  5. #5
    Boolit Master
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    Ed -thanks for talking me out of it. I'll just stick to my 450's and gas checks.

  6. #6
    Boolit Buddy
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    They were primarily made for the C and H Swage o Matic and Herters 9 ton press and there were others.
    There were also single dies made for swaging on a single stage press, like the Rock Chucker, that used them.
    There might be some interest on S and S for them.
    Last edited by Ajax111; 12-15-2022 at 02:00 PM.

  7. #7
    Boolit Master


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    I have a set of die’s made by Hornady that uses them. The ram is replaced and there is a part that goes in where the dies screw in that makes the nose of the bullet.
    They come out like Speer Plinkers.

  8. #8
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    Might be interesting to use the "1/2 Jacket" in making jacketed bullets for M1 Carbine.

    Not sure the Length of standard ball for M1 Carbine; but when making jackets from 5/16 copper tubing for 175 Grain .308 bullets I use an overall length of 1.091" in the final jacket. For a 150 Grain .308 bullet I use an overall jacket length of about .960 inches. These result in a Fully enclosed nose with lead almost at the tip end on the final bullets with an 8S nose.

    The .335 overall length of these .308 Jackets would result in an exposed lead nose I think; but it would still be interesting.
    Mustang

    "In the beginning... the patriot is a scarce man, and brave and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot." - Mark Twain.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by MUSTANG View Post
    Might be interesting to use the "1/2 Jacket" in making jacketed bullets for M1 Carbine. .
    Speer does, or did sell them like that in their re loader bullet line.
    They were specifically mad to load .30carbine. It is a RN, but there was no Lead touching the bore.

    I think they were also offered for .38cal. & .44 revolvers like that too.
    Either as complete bullets, or just the half jackets for the do-it-yourselfers.
    Last edited by Winger Ed.; 12-15-2022 at 08:02 PM.
    In school: We learn lessons, and are given tests.
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    OK People. Enough of this idle chit-chat.
    This ain't your Grandma's sewing circle.
    EVERYONE!
    Back to your oars. The Captain wants to waterski.

  10. #10
    Boolit Master
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    Normally the half jackets were made for pistol bullets but in 30 cal they would work nicely for 30 carbine. They would work for rounds for the 7.62 x 25, 30 mauser, 32/20 or the new 30 cal concealed carry or what ever it's called. I am currently using a Swag-O-Matic and spent 50 cal BMG primers to make an 85 gr swc for my 2 7.62 x 25 pistols.
    If you don't need them, put them on the S&S section. Some one will want them. I don't think anyone is currently producing half jackets.
    Last edited by rbuck351; 12-16-2022 at 12:57 AM.

  11. #11
    Boolit Master
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    Ended up making a swap with post #7 -They are gone with the wind.

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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check