Cheap Start to Reloading?

[Soundguy]

I agree with rbstern, you'd have much different results if you fired into ballistics gel. I know, not something most people even look for and very few have, but for real expansion comparisons, it can't be beat. Not that expensive either if you just mix up smaller targets, but rifles need much larger sizes.

Agreed. the gelatin is a bit spendy to make, but it is doable. I've done plenty of BG testing with handguns evaluating different ammo types. As long as you keep the BG clean, you can re-melt and re-use it. if it gets debris in it too much it can foul it.

 

[paulsharvey]

Shoot some of the Xtreme HP, 5.6 gr CFE Pistol, 1.125", into a stack of water jugs, and a single jug full of sand, then saturated with as much water would fit.

Got 0.4015" expanded in water, with 88.8gr retained weight.

Got 0.4525" expanded in wet sand, with 70.3 gr retained weight.

Also, I think at max, primers have a 'look' to them.

 

[paulsharvey]

Couple pictures didn't upload.
I don't know if I mentioned, but I don't think Xtreme advertises them as expanding, I really just wanted to see if they would. Both shot from Hi Point 995 carbine.

 

[paulsharvey]

Went up to Waldo flea market, and picked up Lee .270 Winchester dies (Lee-270-A6) 2 die set (minus shell holder) for $8. Look to be in good shape.

 

[FarmWrench]

Anyone use cold mashed potatoes as a substitute for gelatin?

 

[paulsharvey]

Anyone use cold mashed potatoes as a substitute for gelatin?

Taofledmaus used soared pizza dough

 

[paulsharvey]

Went up to Waldo flea market, and picked up Lee .270 Winchester dies (Lee-270-A6) 2 die set (minus shell holder) for $8. Look to be in good shape.

So, I thought after the fact, saving $16 on dies prompted me to order $60 of stuff, and still need powder and large rifle primers.

I ordered 100 EA 100 gr Varmint and 130 gr Speer (Gold Dot I think).

Powder, I'm gonna buy local, either Varget, CFE223, or maybe BL-C(2).

I've got around 40 fired brass already

 

[Soundguy]

Anyone use cold mashed potatoes as a substitute for gelatin?

If you've never shot gelatin, try it sometime. Nice being able to cut open and see trajectory and permanent wound channel.

 

[paulsharvey]

Loaded my first rifle rounds tonight, 100 gr Speer Varmint HPs, 48.0 gr CFE-223, 3.145", Winchester Large Rifles.

The press maybe at its max. To seat bullets, you really have to angle it just right. Hopefully the 130 gr aren't an issue.

 

[paulsharvey]

48.0 gr shot fine. I was kinda concerned about the amount of empty case, but it wasn't an issue. Wanted to build my confidence on a mild/light charge first.