Fire lapping bullet & load info

[crash87]

Verl,                                                                                                                                                                                    I recently sent you an order for a mold in .416 cal to be used in a .416 Rigby. I also intend to fire lap this bore, but I have a few questions. Can I use the bullet cast from the mold ordered, minus the gascheck? I don't think I've read in print anything about this. I've firelapped a number of bores, but always with a plain base bullet and of course, LBT products. Also, would you or any of the viewers / contributers of this forum have a starting point for a firelapping load in the Rigby case? I've got plenty of bullseye (and pretty much anything else for that matter) plus dacron to keep it in place. Just need a starting point. Thank you
                                                            CRASH87

[Veral]

Yes I recommend firelapping with bullets from the mold ordered for a particular gun., without gas checks applied.

Those Rigby cases you sent are big devels! (and your mold is finished.) Start with 3 gr Bullseye.  If you can't see the bullets clearly in flight, back off on the charge.  If you stick a bullet, bump it out with a mild steel rod that fits the bore closely (3/8 inch diameter) using gentle taps with a sledgehammer.  The idea being to push it, not a sharp rap which could upset the bullet and lock it tight in the bore.  Up the carge a bit with the next shot after sticking on.

If the charge is too high, you'll get bore leading and no lapping.  You won't hurt the gun so long as you don't shoot a bullet on top of one that's stuck in the bore, so if you don't see the bullet in flight or make impact, look through the bore before shooting again.

[crash87]

Thanks Veral, big and quite pricey. With the cost of raw materials on its way through the roof and not an end in sight. Shooting a LBT cast bullet as effectivley (or more so) as a jacketed bullet, it will not only be easier on the shoulder, but also on the wallet. Can't say the same for the local Whitetail population though, Thanks again,
                                                                CRASH87

[R J Talley]

I would add one caveot to the fire lapping story. I was one of those who got a tad worried about the charge and loaded one too light. It was a Shraps rifle. Any way, when I dropped the block the case blwe out the back under a whole buch of pressure and promptly stuck, mouth first, into the wall. I was pretty luck I didn't have my face behind it. Any way, if you do get a bullet stuck in the bore, do be careful when you open the action. There's more pressure in there than you might first think.