Newbie

[no3]

Hello
I am new to this,Paper patch business,I have a Ruger#3 in 45/70 and would like to start using paper patch bullets.
Do I have to go to the expense of buying swaging equipment?,or can I use my 500gr Lee mould,405 Rcbs mould.
I will probably use smokeless powder,do i have to get a smaller mould(.450 dia)? and what paper do i use?,now i 'm in Australia (don't hold that against me) and what paper can i get here that you know of?
Any info would be greatly received
see ya
Dale (no3) :wink:

[Omaha Poke]

Hi Dale no3, in regards to your question about the necessary bullet dia. You should have a cast bullet of approx.  .446- .448 dia.  The paper thickness that you use adds 4 times the thickness of one layer of the paper.  If you are using .0010 thick paper you actually add .0040 thickness to the dia of the patched bullet.

If you know the grove dia. of your barrel try to keep the patched bullet dia. somewhere between that, and the dia. between the lands.  

I hope this helps, others may have differing views.  You have to try what works in your rifle.  It is fun to experiment.  Just go slowly, and document your findings in a shooting diary.  Merry CHRISTmas, Omaha

[Castaway]

Welcome to the Forum no3!  Sounds like Omaha Poke is using black powder in his shooter.  BP demands a smaller bullet diamter.  With smokeless,  a 0.452 bullet is a good place to start.   I've had good luck with both the Lee 405 and 500 grain bullet.  After casting, I would lube the bullet and run it through the Lee 0.452 sizer, clean the lube off and go from there.  I'm shooting a newer # 1 which means I don't have the leade like your #3.  That big, stubby 500 grainer gave me some problems with chambering  with the patch out to the ogive.  You shouldn't have any trouble.  As far as paper goes, I'm currently using college ruled paper (15 lb.) and don't resize after patching.  Have used 20 lb., but had to size.  I'm a lazy person and wanted to eliminate a step, so eventually went to a custom mould (0.452).  By the way, I've even patched with cigarette paper and it worked like a charm. Would try some 9 lb if I could get it.