i have a batch of cast bullets for a 30-30, that i’ve been sitting on, trying to slowly accuire tools needed for powder coating, while reading about cast bullets i ran into the paper patching option, and seen vids of guys using masking tape to do it too, this is simple, little labour consuming but doable, one thing i’m not understanding is wheather the bullets need or can be resized after PP? from what i understand, first resize, PP then lubing die (?) is it the same order for masking tape PP?
resizing before or after paper patch?
- Thread starter rhino519
- Start date
- Location
- Western Manitoba
I have paper patched some Lee C501-440-RF using Strathmore brand tracing paper. The paper has a hard smooth finish and measures .002" thick, about half the thickness of computer printer paper. I ran the cast bullets through a Lee .501" push through sizing die, then patched, then ran the patched bullets through the same sizing die - was for my .50 muzzle loader. Needed a "slip fit" to get it down the bore - no gas check - am relying on the pure lead to "bump up" and engrave rifling on the trip up the bore.
I just measured some "masking tape". What I have measures .005, including the glue. I really doubt that masking tape with glue can be put through a sizer without ripping? Please let us know how you make out. With paper patch, you do not normally lube at all, as in running through a lubesizer. Instructions I learned from used very light coat of Rooster Patch lube on outside of patch after loading, for waterproofing purposes only. On Castboolits site, not a ton of consensus - some seem to want patch to let go once bullet leaves muzzle, like a sabot, others apply thin layer of various oils or waxes to patch paper to ease rolling on to the bullet. Others do like I have done - dry, relying on the tail twist to hold it together. I do drop a fibre "bore button" on top of the powder charge, under the bullet, in the muzzle loader.
I just measured some "masking tape". What I have measures .005, including the glue. I really doubt that masking tape with glue can be put through a sizer without ripping? Please let us know how you make out. With paper patch, you do not normally lube at all, as in running through a lubesizer. Instructions I learned from used very light coat of Rooster Patch lube on outside of patch after loading, for waterproofing purposes only. On Castboolits site, not a ton of consensus - some seem to want patch to let go once bullet leaves muzzle, like a sabot, others apply thin layer of various oils or waxes to patch paper to ease rolling on to the bullet. Others do like I have done - dry, relying on the tail twist to hold it together. I do drop a fibre "bore button" on top of the powder charge, under the bullet, in the muzzle loader.
I run the bullet through a Lee sizer, paper patch the bullet, once paper is dry I put a film of Lee liquid Alox around the paper and resize again, make sure you flare the case mouth before sitting the bullet.
That's how I do it many people do it differently.
That's how I do it many people do it differently.
A fellow co-worker wrapped his bullets with Teflon plumbers tape with good results without a second sizing.
Patching boolitz with Teflon tape
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?213574-Patching-boolitz-with-Teflon-tape
Patching boolitz with Teflon tape
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?213574-Patching-boolitz-with-Teflon-tape
fingers284
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Alberta Cowboy Ranges
the short answer is that your bullets need to be sized before the patch...whatever form that takes from paper or tape... so that your finished product is the dia. that suits your bore best.
