#1 Is the raw bullet sized to bore diameter or is the wrapped bullet at bore diameter? Is the patched bullet well under groove diameter?

#2 Do you lube the paper once the bullet is wrapped or simply use a lube cookie?

#3 Are you running the wrapped bullet through the sizing die?  Or are you sizing the bullet first and then wrapping?

#4 What alloy have you found works best?

#5 Smokeless, Black Powder, Duplex ?  What have you found works best for you?

I'm paper patching a 330g bullet for 38-55 and a 500g bullet for 45-70

RoyB wrote on Mar 13^th, 2015 at 9:43pm:

Depends - you mightn't need sizing if the patched bullet is the right size.  The thinner the paper, the better.  Too small a bullet and thick paper, now - that's not good...  I'd just patch it up and size it if needed.

RoyB,

Are we target shooting or are we hunting?
The approach I would take is different depending the purpose of the load.

Keep on hav'n fun!
MikeT

RoyB,

Most of the folks who have responded already are target shooting so they have covered the basics.

I shoot a snug fitting bore diameter PP bullet all my rifles;
40 to 50 caliber.  Wipe every shot with a damp patch or two.  Keep the chamber dry to eliminate separated cases.

In my 40-70SS I use a lube wad so I only wipe once with a damp patch, which is good enough for gong matches.  I may try a lube wad in my 50-70 carbine also.

If you were to lube the patched bullet paper, you may introduce grit into the bore, so I would not recommend lubed paper.

The alloy of choice will depend on the bullet profile and the caliber.  Long slender nose on the bullet will require harder alloy.  Heavy powder charges will also need harder alloy.

I have not tried smo*** powder with PP bullets, but if you use a quick enough powder, it should work OK.

One of these days I will get a round to trying a groove diameter PP bullet.  Leave no stone un-turned.

Keep on hav'n fun!
MikeT

MartiniBelgian wrote on Mar 16^th, 2015 at 9:10am:


Amen to that Gert. 

Harry