Author Topic: Large cartridge - is polyfill advisable?  (Read 1142 times)

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Offline Taglialenha

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Large cartridge - is polyfill advisable?
« on: August 07, 2012, 11:34:03 AM »
Veral,

What do you think about the use of Polyfill in 30-06 cartridges, loaded with lead bullets and Varget powder? Will it improve the accuracy?
Thanks.


Offline Veral

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Re: Large cartridge - is polyfill advisable?
« Reply #1 on: August 08, 2012, 07:23:36 PM »
  I've heard enough horror stories about ringing barrels with poly fill that I wouldn't touch it for that reason alone.  (But the reason I've never used it is I can't handle the diddling of tearing off little tufts and stuffing it into the case.)

  I recommend useing granulated plastic shot buffer, which is made for buffering shot in shot shells.  Any kind Ive used works very well.  Just pour it into the case till it runs over, and seat your bullet into it.  It compresses easily if you have a bit of space between powder and bullet.  Work up your loads with it, as it will postitively raise pressures quite a bit if simply added to an already fairly high pressure load.
Veral Smith

Offline Taglialenha

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Re: Large cartridge - is polyfill advisable?
« Reply #2 on: August 12, 2012, 01:27:48 PM »
Veral,  thank you!

Offline muznut 54

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Re: Large cartridge - is polyfill advisable?
« Reply #3 on: August 12, 2012, 03:18:50 PM »
I dont know why you would want to? Varget is a listed powder for the 30-06.

Offline jhalcott

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Re: Large cartridge - is polyfill advisable?
« Reply #4 on: August 19, 2012, 03:47:40 PM »
 Muz, where can I find CAST bullet data using Varget?
  Tag, I've heard these stories also. I do NOT use poly fillers in bottle neck cases. I HAVE used it in large (45-70,>etc.) cases when using smokeless powders. As Veral says the filler MUST fill the space between powder and bullet. Start low and work up IF you decide to use it!

Offline Veral

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Re: Large cartridge - is polyfill advisable?
« Reply #5 on: September 04, 2012, 04:25:11 PM »
  I have no idea where to find cast bullet data for Varget powder, but loading manuals written by jacketed bullet manufactures do a good job of keeping up with all the new powders as they become available.    Jacketed data anc be used for cast.

Start with a listed bullet which is at least as heavier or heavier than your cast bullet.  Try the starting load for jacketed and pressures will be safe if you are using LBT bullet lube and your cast bullet has a hardness of at least 20 bhn.  If you are using another lube, you are on your own, my friend.  Just buy good life insurance which covers accidental death, have your funeral arrangements made before trying your load, or your widow might use your photo as a target.  I'm sorta partly joshing there, yet I'm dead searious about danger, as pressures can be double and more than they would be with LBT with most other lubes, including NRA Alox formula.  Other lubes are worse.   With mild loads lubrication isn't so critical but when pressures get up close to full rifle loads,  lubrication quality and its abiblity to keep the bullet slipping under the high heat and pressure become absolutely critical.   
Veral Smith

Offline Taglialenha

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Re: Large cartridge - is polyfill advisable?
« Reply #6 on: September 06, 2012, 01:20:45 AM »
The book "Modern Reloading - Second Edition, by Richard Lee has cast bullet data for Varget powder, but only for two calibers: 308 win and 30-06.


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Offline muznut 54

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Re: Large cartridge - is polyfill advisable?
« Reply #7 on: September 08, 2012, 05:37:29 AM »
Muz, where can I find CAST bullet data using Varget?
  Tag, I've heard these stories also. I do NOT use poly fillers in bottle neck cases. I HAVE used it in large (45-70,>etc.) cases when using smokeless powders. As Veral says the filler MUST fill the space between powder and bullet. Start low and work up IF you decide to use it!
Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. +1 on what Tag said. Its in the cast bullet section of the Lee manual.