Vol and plain base bullets

[KHornet]

I have for some reason, usually loaded plain base rifle bullets in the 1200 or less vol range, regardless of cal.
The exception being 45-70 which I have run up to 1500 or so with a number of different weights of PB's. I would suppose that there is a logical max vol for say 30 cals, depending on hardness, size dia, and lube, and
seem to remember reading that the number was around 1600. Am just wondering (based on experience and not theory) just what those who have played with PB's at higher vols have found to be max (with accuracy of course).

Paul

 

[Brad]

I got good results exults in 45-70 with a plain base at 1650 or so. I got a little leading but not enough to be an issue for under 10 shots which will as fine for hunting in my opinion. A couple bears disagree.....

Never tried a plain base much faster other than the 44 mag Marlin and they do fine there as does the 357 Marlin. Up to 1700 and still good.

I think that as the bullet size goes up it is easier to get good results with plain base at higher velocities. I bet a 30 cal with traditional lube would be tough to get over 1500 and have good accuracy.

 

[4060MAY]

I have shot PB bullets in my 32-40, 30-40Krag
in the 32-40, the most accurate velocity is around 1450 fps, 1-16twist, 175gr Barnett bullet, Darr lube
in the 30-40 Krag, No.3 Ruger, the accurate velocity is around 1500 fps, 190gr Saeco Darr bullet, 1-10 twist, Darr lube
The 32-40 is Breech Seated and the Krag is fixed
I have shot higher velocities, up to 1600 fps, Chrono, but the accuracy was not there
best group with the 32-40 at 200yds is .985, 10 shots, at a schuetzen match
groups with the 30-40 will run from 1.75- .995 at 100yds
powder used is 300MP, WC680, and WW571 sometimes WC820
The alloy I use most for the Breech Seating is 9BHN, about 1-30
for the fixed it is usually bank scrap, 9-11 BHN
the 32 is shot as cast, pan lubed, the Krag is sized to .311, pan lubed

 

[KHornet]

I am thinking much the same thing, and even more so with smaller projectiles.

Paul

 

[Ian]

1500-1600 has usually been the practical limit for me in .30-cal and above. Powder coating changes that a bit, as does using a buffer or card under the base. So I would agree with the generalization of 1600 fps being pretty much the ceiling with fixed ammunition.

 

[popper]

My 'standard' load for BO AR is 145gr PB @ 2100 fps, accurate. They are PCd as BLL appears to blow off and cause leading. WD isocore with a tad of Cu. Don't shoot big bore but the physics says that heavier boolit, limited powder space, higher psi work against you. The other side of the coin, larger area of 'big bore' allows more force for a given psi - force is what drives the boolit, not psi. The base has to be VERY good. Seems like the real conundrum is cutting the sprue with a hard alloy - getting a flat base. This mould is like a GC with most of the shank removed. Gives VERY good base edge when I do my part. 100 yds - 2100 fps 1:10 18" BO, McGowan barrel, Timney trigger.

 

[Ian]

Bevel base and gas check designs have universally shot better for me in all calibers than have flat base designs.

 

[freebullet]

The bulk of mine runs 600-1200fps & is universal enough to work in numerous guns reasonably .

In 357 & 454 we stretch that & I would agree with 1600 being achievable in made for one gun loads.

The biggest hurdle for me seems to be designs with weak bottom driving bands.

 

[Ben]

This is the Ranch Dog ,165 gr., .30 cal. that I plain based recently.
Can you also tell that I like a thick rear drive band ?

 

[KHornet]

Ben, when Ranch Dog was still in business, I ordered 6 cav 165 30's
in both pb and gc. One of my more intelligent moves. Reminds me
I need to cast about 20 lbs of them: Half and Half

Paul

 

[Ben]

Paul,

That RD design is a " Killer " on a game animal with that big meplat.

Ben