Does anybody use stop-ring bullets in an 8.15x46R?  I bought a couple of boxes from Buffalo Arms, but have only had mediocre results. They are cast rather hard.

Waterman,

  Sure! I've shotthem quite a bit in my 8.15. What would you like to know?

PETE

Waterman,

  You've got it right. I'm not really up on how the German Schuetzen rifles were throated, but on mine when the case is trimmed to exact length and the bullet seated to the stop ring the nose of the bullet is a press fit in the rifling and the stop ring just engraves on the front.

  Basically what was done with the stop ring bullet is that a packet of powder was put into a primed case and the bullet was pressed into the case. Todays shooter of these bullets will just drop a charge of powder into the case like breech seaters do, and it's what I do. The packet idea is better since you can press it up against the back of the case lightly and it will stay positioned making for more consistent ignition. A friend has tried this idea out and it works! Kind of a PITA to make up tho so I don't know anyone who does. The Germans used to be able to buy these, so I don't think it was ever something somebody did on their own.

  A problem I have with my rifle is that the chamber is larger than required so I have set up a die in a 310 tool so I can squeeze the neck down very slightly in order for the bullet to be a press fit in the case.

  Another problem you can encounter is that you have to shoot the bullet as is. Altho it might be possible to make up some kind of sizing die this would be a very difficult job, so it is best if you have a bullet that casts to fit properly. Three of us use these in two Aydts and one Martini and we've all had decent luck with them, so offhand I'd figure they will work in most rifles. At least good enuf for offhand shooting.

  I don't know of anyone other than NEI that makes a stop ring mould, altho I suspect a custom maker could make it for you.

  I can't help you on a source for buying them already cast.

PETE