Jim, this one is for you.

[Ben]

Jim wanted to see some photos of me plain basing my latest mould acquisition. My 4 cavity , SAECO # 311.

Today, I plain based the front cavity, leaving the remaining 3 as gas check cavities.

Here are some photos for you Jim.

Some have questioned my use of a conventional drill bit to remove the g/c shank in a .30 cal. mould. I'm no machinist, however I found this " razor sharp " .312" bit and use it on nothing but removing the g/c shank of .30 cal. moulds. For me, it does everything that I want. It cuts a smooth round hole. That's what I wanted the bit to do.

Ben

 

[Brad]

Well done. It never ceases to amaze me what can be done with some thought and a well executed plan. A shop full of machines is useless without a well trained mind to guide them.

 

[Ian]

Ben, I'm surprised you haven't yet invested in a $10, .310" chucking reamer.

 

[waco]

As always, nice job Ben!

 

[Ben]

Ben, I'm surprised you haven't yet invested in a $10, .310" chucking reamer.

I've got just about all the plain base .30 cal. Molds that I need, else I'd invest in one.

Ben

 

[300BLK]

That tapered nose design should be pretty well self aligning. I've wondered how well it would compare to the #315 head to head, but haven't felt the need to spend the money to find out.

 

[Ben]

300BLK

As to spending the $ to find out, I got such a good deal on this mould ( $34 for a 4 cav. Saeco ) that it was too tempting , I just could not turn down the deal.

I also have the SAECO # 315 ( one of my all time favorite .30 cal. moulds ), so I'll eventually find out the answer to your question when the two are compared in a " head to head " competition at the range.

I can tell you right now, the SAECO # 311 is going to have to shoot some real tight groups to be able to beat my SAECO # 315.

If you take out the " 2 O'clock round " from the group below( and that round is most likely me..not the rifle ) ....it is basically shooting in 1 hole at 50 yards.

Ben

 

[300BLK]

I heard that! Saeco molds tend to be a little pricey even used. You stumbled into a bargain.

 

[JWFilips]

Hi Ben, Thanks for the heads Up on your post. I have been having computer issues!!!
Very nice work, Indeed!
I started to run this over in my brain....it really isn't too scary since the boolit is to be resized! If you go a bit beyond true diameter... it all works out in the wash once it is sized! ...but it does have to be a dead nutz symmetrical hole!
Now I just to do the cyfer'in for 8mm!

 

[Ben]

Jim,

How about $1.84 to remove the g/c shank in one of your 8 mm moulds.

http://drillsandcutters.com/8-25mm-hss-jobber-length-drill-bit/?gclid=COyq766R-sYCFQ8YHwodyBcG3w

 

[JWFilips]

Ben,
Looks like that would be perfect! Thanks for the lead....looks like they may have other items I can use in my shop

 

[Ben]

Jiim,

People keep telling me you can't use a standard drill bit like the one in the link I sent you. However, it can be done, you've just got to do your homework on the alignment process and go slow. By the way, that bit should drill a .325 " hole.

Ben

 

[KHornet]

Good thread Ben. It is good that there are people like you and the guys who are machine handy, and when it comes to making plain base blts out from GC molds, it is good for me that there is Al, and NOE. Am real anxious to try the plain base 22's. I don't expect great and wonderful groups, but as long as they are groups and not patterns I will be satisfied.

 

[Ben]

You may be very surprised at the groups.

Most everyone's mistake shooting plain base bullets is they push them too fast. Remember that the plain base bullet is rather fragile when it comes to being slammed in the rear end.

Ben

 

[Ian]

KHornet, like I'm sure you do, Ihave several .22 rimfires that will print fine groups with near pure-lead, heeled-base bullets and barely any lube at all. 1200 fps is about it, though. Think like that with your centerfires and I'm sure you'll have success.

 

[Ben]

I'm in total agreement with Ian ! !

1,000 - 1,200 fps is your goal.

 

[WILCO]

Love your work Ben! Always a pleasure to see what you've done.

 

[Ben]

Thank you WILCO ! !

Ben