Author Topic: 480 Ruger -V- Ballistic Gelatin (Read 1561 times)

JA · « **on:** February 28, 2003, 09:00:44 AM »

I unexpectedly had the chance to shoot some ballistic gelatin with my 480 Ruger. I only had two loads at the time and the results were as follows:

Speer 325 gr. Gold Dot Soft Point
Velocity - 1290 fps
Penetration - 25 inches
Bullet recovered diameter - .708 inches
Bullet retained weight - 308 grains
(The temporary crush cavity showed that the bullet started to expand almost immediately.)

Lee 400 gr. Cast (cast from wheel weights - actual weight 398 grains)
Velocity - 1050 fps
Penetration - Unknown (completely penetrated the whole 36 inch block)
No temporary crush cavity

Paul H · « **Reply #1 on:** February 28, 2003, 09:36:49 AM »

Try 21 gr Lil gun and a CCI 350 under that Lee 400, crimped to the rear groove. Just had a chance to try that combo out earlier this week in my 7 1/2" SRH. Clocked 1200 fps, and was scary accurate, 3 shots in a barely over caliber hole @ 25 yds on the shots I didn't pull to open the group to 2".

Here is a 460 WFN launced @ 1100 fps from a 480, bullet on left went through 38" wet newsprint. Bullet on right went through 2-3" bone and 10" newsprint.

JA · « **Reply #2 on:** February 28, 2003, 11:53:52 AM »

Paul H,
The loads I used were my fun loads. The 400 gr. cast loads group around 1 inch at 25 yards out of my 6.5 inch RB. When I load heavier, I can not shoot as long. I need more practice.

If I had time to prepare to shoot the ballistic gelatin, I would have worked up some loads with the Speer 400 gr GDSP. I think that would have been more interesting.

Who makes that 460 gr. WFN mold?

Paul H · « **Reply #3 on:** March 03, 2003, 07:03:48 AM »

It's a balisticast mold, I don't recall what the p/n is. I bellieve it was their 400 gr mold, but they sunk the cherrie extra deep to make it a heavier bullet. You can see how long the gas check shank is.

My most accurate load is a 310 LFN over 9.7 gr unique, clocks 1000 fps, and puts them all in one hole when I do my part.

Hcliff · « **Reply #4 on:** March 04, 2003, 09:54:49 AM »

JA

Have you ever shot into wet paper? I was wondering to compare it ballistic gelatin? I shooting into wet paper and will be running some test when the weather gets warmer here. (It is now 19 degrees (feels like 7 with wind chill), not to good for testing)

Did you test anything else at the time like 44 mag, etc? This would be neat to see. What was the ration of gelatin? I know they use a stiffer to test rifles vs pistol from what I have read.

Sounds like you are having fun. Keep us updated. Good work

Hcliff

Hud · « **Reply #5 on:** March 04, 2003, 03:18:29 PM »

JA, What do you use for lube on the Lee 400 gr?

Hud

JA · « **Reply #6 on:** March 05, 2003, 07:12:50 AM »

Hcliff,

It all started when I was showing the guys, who ran the shooting range, my 480 RB. They told me that they made up some ballistic gelatin for a demonstation. Well, the event was cancelled and they asked if I wanted to test my revolver. Who would not jump at the chance?

They had two 18 inch blockes that were 10% gelatin (standard for testing self defense ammo). We placed the blocks end to end to get the max length of 36 inches. I shot the only loads I had on me at the time.

The 10% gelatin is designed to simulate human flesh. I don't know how it compares to wet newsprint. That would be an interesting comparison.

Hud,

All I have ever used is Lee liguid alox. So long as I heat treat the bullets, by dropping them from the mold into a bucket of water, I have never had a problem of leading. However I have never pushed my cast bullets past 1200 fps.

Hud · « **Reply #7 on:** March 05, 2003, 03:08:42 PM »

>>>>>All I have ever used is Lee liguid alox. So long as I heat treat the bullets, by dropping them from the mold into a bucket of water, I have never had a problem of leading. However I have never pushed my cast bullets past 1200 fps.>>>>>>

JA
Thanks that's what I was hoping to hear. I just bought the same mold as you have and I was planning to use the Lee liquid alox. I have had good luck with it on some 357 bullets. I sized gas checks on my 357s though.

I also plan on staying under 1200 fps and I drop them in water also. The only reason I have not cast any yet is that I found some good buys on 480s from Bonus Bullets and have been too busy working to have any time to cast bullets. This spring when things slow down I'll cast some up.
I think I'll also try the Lee alox on some of the Bonus Bullets. I am having some leading problems on my low velocity loads just past the forcing cone. My full power loads are just fine.

Hud