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Posted: 1/29/2016 5:34:01 PM EDT
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Does anyone use case filler (i.e., kapok, TP, etc.) to fill over powder in reloads that have small charges?
I've read conflicting info on this practice. I'm not particularly concerned about my bottleneck cases, but the .38 spl. I load have a fair amount of space after l charge them. My load is a 158 gr. plated bullet over 3.4 gr. of 700X or 3.8 gr. of Win 231. It seems rational to try to keep the powder against the primer/flash hole for more uniform ignition rather than have it spread across the empty space. My velocity spreads are higher than I'd like to see with these loads and it seems filling the space might help. Any insight? Thanks. |
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I did it years ago in 357. I ringed the barrel and sent it back to Ruger for a new barrel. Never used a filler again. There are powders made today that are not position sensitive. Like Titegroup. You can test this yourself with your loads. Using the same load shoot groups raising pistol barrel straight up and carefully lower to fire. Then shoot groups without raising barrel up. |
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Thanks, I'll try that next time out. This is just for plinking/target loads.
My groups seem pretty consistent at 10 yds., but the ES's are in the 100 to 250 range with SD's averaging about 60. Just trying to narrow the numbers. ETA: I'll start looking for some Titegroup to try it out. |
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Years ago, when I shot SASS, I would load a reduced W231 with Quaker White Hominy Grits over the top in 45LC. Didnt hurt accuracy at all. Brass came out clean. Didnt need to tumble. Light recoil. Two problems though: 1, the pistol noise was considerably higher, and 2, was a PITA to load. I setup both powder measures on my Dillon, but had to crimp on my single stage. Not a huge problem, but an inconvenience. No noticeable problems with the pistols or rifle. Those loads were clean! Didnt have to cleans the guns after.
Fun! But the pop hurt my ears. :-) |
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>I ringed the barrel and sent it back to Ruger for a new barrel. This is what I have read for over 40 years. It works for some, but destroys barrels for others. Since the load data does not call out a filler, a filler changes the load data, and I have never seen a need in ANY pistol cartridge (remember, most of this was for .45-70 and .45-90s being loaded with 10gn of Red Dot—where the case is HUGE compared to the powder charge), I have never been tempted. Load as specified and only change if there is a problem. What is the GROUP size? Every since chronographs came out that give S.D., folks have obsessed about S.D. to the point they ignore what the target is telling them. I have read way too many articles where the best group was from the load with the highest or second highest S.D. to consider it a worry, until you are shooting out past 600 yards or so. |
| Fast burning pistol powders in small pistol cases (9mm/38sp/357/40s&w/44spl/44mag/45acp/etc) don't need any fillers. Fast burning pistol powders in rifles cases like "the load" (13.0gr of redot or 10.0gr of unique in the 308/30-06) do not need fillers. I use fillers for powders like 4227 in rifle cases like the 308 with lead bullets and reduced loads (18.0gr to 24.0gr). Of reduced loads of h4895 in the 308/30-06 with lead bullets. |
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You can safely load 38spl with Bullseye right down to where the bullet won't exit the barrel. I don't suggest doing it but you could.
I shoot a 160gr cast bullet 1075f/s (sub-sonic) from 7.62x54R Mosin Nagant. The load is 6gr Bullseye. I don't use fillers in ANYTHING !!! Just too scary for me. 
Motor |
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What is the GROUP size? Every since chronographs came out that give S.D., folks have obsessed about S.D. to the point they ignore what the target is telling them.
My group sizes are good. If I work at it, I'll keep 6 shots in a 1.5 in group at 10 yards or about 6 inches in 25 yards. I guess I'll stop worrying about it. It's not like I'm trying to shoot groups at 50 or 100 yards with my Model 15. I really wasn't as concerned about the SD as the extreme spread velocities. No other pistol reloads of mine in a number of other calibers show those kinds of spreads. |
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I do all my pistol testing at 20 yrds. It's close enough to get a good sight picture on the target and far enough away to tell you what the load is doing.
I load 3.4gr W-231 with a 158gr LSWC, very accurate load in my model 15 and 67 and Uberti SAA's. Several friends also use that same load in their 38's. It seems to be the ''Go-To'' load in 38 spcl. My GF likes me to load 3.1gr for her Uberti's. I haven't noticed any difference in recoil from shot to shot but it's not a good accuracy load. It gets about 4'' groups @ 20 yrds which is good enough for her to hit 6'' steel plates @ 15 yrds. It also shoots well out of her Rossi '92 lever gun 20''bbl. 3.1gr is a small charge but I've never thought about using a filler. It's not needed with today's powders. Do another load work up and see where the accuracy node really is 'cuz I don't think you've found it yet. |
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I use a filler (dacron fiber) in my light 25-20 loads. It makes a measurable difference on a 50yd target. Like 1.5" to 3/4" difference. The load is 3.1 grs of Win231 and I use about a half grain of dacron. I'd expect to use a similar amount in 38spl. In a revolver, you might not be able to really see any benefit, if there is one. |
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Quoted:
What does this mean? Quoted:
Quoted:
I did it years ago in 357. I ringed the barrel and sent it back to Ruger for a new barrel. What does this mean? The barrel was bulged from a stuck bullet or ovepressure. Here's a picture I got from a Google image search. 
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