Dacron fiber fillers?????

[jh45gun]

I want to load some cast loads using Unique powder and cast bullets for the following cartridges. 45/70, 30/30, 308, 8mm, and 762x54. I have read in the past good and bad of using fiber fillers??? I know the lyman book used to recomend them and I tried to call them but they were closed. I called Alliant powder and they said they never tested fillers and to contact Lyman. What is every ones take here on the subject. I would like to load loads to get my cast bullets in the 1600 fps area plus or minus depending on the cartridge. I have heard that fiber fillers cause too much pressure and then I have heard no it is fine so I have no idea what to do any comments please. Jim

[tominboise]

I use plastic shot buffer in my 45-70.  Using a 350 gr Laser cast bullet and buffer, over RL-7.  I load both using Lee dippers, but don't have the particulars with me right at the moment.  I am still experimenting, but I think it shows promise.  I have read about using a tuft of dacron filler stuffed over the powder charge, but haven't tried it.

Tom

[Old Syko]

Used to use Kapoc that I got from a Singer sewing machine store.  Never had any problems whatsoever.  The stuff even burns clean and leaves no residue behind.  A filler actually helps to keep pressures even from shot to shot by holding the charge more firmly against the primer.  As with any load, start light and work up.  It is worth the trouble believe it or not.

[John Traveler]

The NRA Technical Advisor for many years, recommended using "kaypok" dacron fiber filler material for filling up the airspace in most cast bullet loads.

I believe that they have STOPPED recommending the use of fiber fillers since the popularity of black powder cartridge rifle loading in the last several years.

There have been many verified instances of chamber "ringing" damage from using fiber filler loads.  This damage is from shooting as little as a few rounds of handloads using fiber fillers behind cast bullets in a large rifle cartridge case.

The theory is that a synthetic material (dacron or syimilar) melts during powder combustion, and forms a chamber obstruction behind the bullet  base.  This applies particularly to bottle-necked cartridges under .40 caliber.

There is a website that has articles on this topic.

For a detailed article on this dreadful phenomenon, try a web search for "ringed chambers" or "black powder rifle chamber ringing"

John

[Blackhawk44]

Watch shot buffer.  Dave Scovill (Handloader Mag editor) had some that had been stored a while get goosey on him.  When he pulled the bullets it seems that the buffer had somewhat compacted (began to stick to each other) to form almost a solid mass kicking pressures way up.  He loaded fillers for many years and admits he has given up on them.  That said, I'm thinking of trying styrofoam "worm" packing, just inserted, maybe broken pieces, not packed tightly just to see.  Again, I have not tried this yet, have no idea of the safety, just an abstact thought.

[jhalcott]

If I were to use a filler I would only do so in a straight wall case. I would NOT keep them loaded for long periods. I have taken black powder loads apart that had been loaded many years ago by my grand dad. The powder in these loads was a solid chunk of powder that had to be broken up with a pencil to remove it.Yes ,they were compressed loads that WERE safe when loaded.

[Kragman71]

I have loaded many thousands of cartridges,over the years,with fillers.
First,I used Cream of Wheat cereal;then some other cereals;then Kapok;then Dacron. Dacron is my favorite.
Recently,some Folks report damage to guns because of the Dacron. I have become 'gunshy',and no longer make loads that have less then 50% powder in them. I still have confidence in my loads of greater powder charges,as long as I am sure that the filler is firmly on top of the powder.
Any gap between the powder and the filler will destroy accuracy,and may do worse.
Some more advanced shooters suggest that pure cotton be used instead of Dacron. The theory being that natural is better then synthetic. If you are a little leery,I suggest that you use cotton balls.
I bought a bag of those balls,myself,and wil try them the next time I load up some 45/70 ammo.
Frank

[JBMauser]

I have recently posted my concern for low powder volume loads for 45lc on the cowboy board here.  In digging for info I found a July 2000 guns and ammo where the author had evidence that even tightgroup gave better accuracy with a tuft of dacron.  I use Kapok myself for rifle and I will try and work up some Kapok 45LC loads.  If any here want to try some Kapok contact me off line.  I have a bale of it.  JB  jboc2@bellsouth.net