Plain base in rifle

[Str8shot426]

I'm not having any luck with this. I've been trying the noe 311041 PB bullet cast of Lyman #2 out of my marlin 30/30. This gun bug holes the lee 170's with gas check. The standard 10 grain charge of Unique makes the noe shoot all over. Any suggestions?

 

[Brad]

Try a slower powder. Maybe 2400 or even RE 7. Fast pressure rise is possibly leading to gas cutting on base before it can fully obturate in the bore. Let the pressure rise slower so the base is in the bore before the peak pressure is hit.
Another option is to go to a lighter charge of a faster powder.
Welcome to learning about how pressure curve, bullet design, and alloy all play together. Sometimes they play nice, soemthiems they don't. Key is learning how to manipulate them to get along.

 

[Str8shot426]

I could have started lower with the Unique, I guess. I've always had good luck with the 10 grain load in anything I tried. This naked base thing is much different than pistol calibers.
I do have a good supply of 2400 to try.

And 3031 did not work at all.

 

[Brad]

Try a softer alloy maybe too? Lyman 2 is pretty tough stuff and may not be doing what is needed at the pressure you have.
Alloy strength needs to be considered.

 

[Str8shot426]

I figured #2 was the way to go with a PB, maybe not. My other main alloy is 98/2 WW/Tin.
I'll keep on it. That mold makes way too nice bullets to give up on.

 

[quicksylver]

You didn't say what size your bullets were
..but with the Marlin they should be .312...(search Marlins and cast bullets)..
also you are way too hot 7.3 grains of Unique or Universal will put you in the right area (velocity)...ACCOWW...will work fine for your alloy...

 

[freebullet]

What velocity are you trying to obtain?

 

[Ben]

I think you're too fast ( Hot ) for plain base with 10.0 grs. of Unique.

Slow things down. This target below is with a gas checked bullet , but I've shot almost identical groups with plain base bullets with 7.2 grs. of B'Eye in my 30-30 Win. Handi.

I had 4 rounds in a ragged hole ( see target below ) and then I shot that crazy 5th round. I don't guess you've ever done anything like that have you ?

 

[David Reiss]

I agree with Brad, Unique is good for plinking, but a poor powder choice for real accuracy work. I am not saying you can't get accuracy with Unique, but it is not the first choice of the older rifle competitors.

 

[quicksylver]

I agree with Brad, Unique is good for plinking, but a poor powder choice for real accuracy work. I am not saying you can't get accuracy with Unique, but it is not the first choice of the older rifle competitors.

++1....on Unique....plus in my area it's non-existent. ..Universal on the other hand...

 

[Str8shot426]

I think you're too fast ( Hot ) for plain base with 10.0 grs. of Unique.

Slow things down. This target below is with a gas checked bullet , but I've shot almost identical groups with plain base bullets with 7.2 grs. of B'Eye in my 30-30 Win. Handi.

I had 4 rounds in a ragged hole ( see target below ) and then I shot that crazy 5th round. I don't guess you've ever done anything like that have you ?

I do, often.

 

[Brad]

When shooting plain base I highly suggest you listen to Ben. He has way more experience with plain based bullets in rifles than anyone I know.

 

[Maven]

I'm not having any luck with this. I've been trying the noe 311041 PB bullet cast of Lyman #2 out of my marlin 30/30. This gun bug holes the lee 170's with gas check. The standard 10 grain charge of Unique makes the noe shoot all over. Any suggestions?

I use 8.7gr. Unique for all my plain base CB loads. I'd recommend something between 8.0 - 9.0gr. Unique or 9.0 - 10.0 Blue Dot. The original Hodgdon Clays is another choice, but start at 6.0gr. and gradually increase the charge to 7.5gr.

 

[JWFilips]

Just Shot this two weeks ago in my Marlin 336
They are the Noe Ranch dogs You will notice the results of the gas checked bullet "without the gas checks" so these are even trickier then plain base, I would think.
Sized as dropped ( approx .31255") 2 coats of BLL My alloy is 50% COWW / 50% Pure and I put in + 2% more tin Air cooled
I have had issues with plain base bullets that were too hard They actually will lead the bore and cause shotgun patterns ( at least in two of my rifles)
Jim

 

[Ben]

For whatever it it worth.........I've had zero success in shooting a gas checked design cast bullet without a gas check !

On the other hand, a true plain base with the right powder charge , seated to the correct OAL, with the right primer , right alloy , sized the correct diameter, now that is another story entirely.

Ben

 

[Ben]

The 182 gr. plain base , 30 cal. was shot recently out of a 30-06 Springfield 1903 Springfield with a pristine 2 groove barrel. The rifle had a 6X18X40 scope on it with an A/O.

Load was 8.5 grs. of Herco and the Accurate 182 gr. plain base, bullets were sized .311" . I fired this 5 shot group at 50 yards. ( That aiming square is 1.25 inches X 1.25 inches for size comparison )

Some feel that shooting plain based rifle bullets is a waste of time. I'm NOT one of those who holds that idea ! ! !

 

[Intheshop]

Try going up on the diameter.It'll still gas cut,but there shouldn't be any skidding.

 

[Ian]

Ben, Maven, Brad, Jim all said what I would have. No more than eight grains of Unique for that. Also, watch the Marlins for leading in the first inch of throat with PB bullets, and if you see that, soften your alloy a bit or bump the powder burn rate and pressure.

Some reservations about the Unique comment, though it's tough to argue with a CBA competitor on opinions of accuracy. I think people confuse powder position sensitivity and improper handling or loading techniques with "accuracy variances". My experience is that if you can't find a competitive load with Unique, sell the rifle.

 

[Maven]

Some nice targets here!

 

[KHornet]

What Ian said!