|
Post by mike on Dec 9, 2015 16:41:01 GMT -5
Hey all,
I'm getting closer to being able to shoot my new Hankins SPML-45. Parker Match/Hunter 275 grain bullets received and ready to size. Also bought 20 275 BE's for simply getting my gun on paper and close prior to dialing it in to zero with the MH's. Boy these bullets are pricey! For the price they should aim themselves! lol
My range date schedule is delayed because Bear Basin responded to my follow-up today stating they didn't ship my scope, rings and base last Friday as promised, claim they will ship next-day-air tomorrow. They didn't bother to advise me that they couldn't find the Badger 20 MOA rail they showed in stock when I ordered last Friday. Argh!
Anyway, on to my question. I was supplied the bullet sizing die with both smooth and rifled form bushings. What are the pros and cons of full-form versus smooth-form bullet sizing? I've viewed Jeff Hankins video demonstrating how to use the die and adjust for bullet size. How tight should I size the bullets. I obviously know they must be pushed down with the ram-rod and seated on top of the powder charge, but what relative level of pushing force is best? Sure don't want the bullets sliding out of the barrel (or moving off the powder) and sure don't want to bust a gut or have to hammer them down. Should I size slightly smaller in diameter to accommodate the barrel getting fouled after the first shot? Is there a difference in how tight I should size based on full-form or smooth form?
I'm excited to shoot the rifle and see what I can do with it. I'll let you guys know how it went after my range visit.
Thanks for any recommendations you experienced guys can offer.
Regards, Mike
|
|
|
Post by keith on Dec 9, 2015 17:09:02 GMT -5
Next time buy from SWFA.
I think each barrel/bullet combo is different. My McGowen shoots everything pretty well with one hand pressure. My bullets or Parkers use same die setting.
My Brux has been a workout. Smooth - Form it likes Parkers one easy hand and my bullets two easy to medium hands. Full-forming requires an initial pass through the die then rotate 2 grooves and size again. Otherwise I can't load through the break, I get inconsistent seating pressure, and a flier every couple of rounds.
|
|
gar
Junior Member
Posts: 85
|
Post by gar on Dec 9, 2015 18:12:59 GMT -5
Parkers like to be sized smooth with a light one or two hand press on the ram rod. Harder bullets and .458 bullets like full formed with two firm hand pressure.
|
|
|
Post by Richard on Dec 9, 2015 22:07:29 GMT -5
It has appeared that with sabot-less, light pressure works better than the heavy two handed pressure used with sabots. Again, powders and ignition systems will dictate what type of pressure you might need. These guns take some range time to get dialed in. Not like going to the LGS and buying a rifle off the shelf and a box of shells and shooting. There is some homework to be done. Much of the research can be found here but you need to do your share also.
|
|
|
Post by hillbill on Dec 9, 2015 22:22:17 GMT -5
Like Richard said, the barrel will dictate what the gun likes. when you decide on an exact bullet and weight/charge we can get you very close to what your gun will like.
the thinner jacket bullets smooth formed generally prefer a loose fit in most guns while the thicker jacketed bullets generally like tighter fit.
to start I would recommend smooth sizing the .451-.452 bullets and after you get a few hundred under your belt you can try the .458s full formed, its a learning curve with either but much less so smooth sizing..
with the 275 BEs size very loose on a clean unfouled barrel, Jeff has likely test fired your gun, if so its pre fouled and one hand 10 lb or so push will suffice, 30-40 lbs on the MHs is about where you want to be on a fouled bore.
|
|
|
Post by Kyle on Dec 9, 2015 22:40:33 GMT -5
Hey all, I'm getting closer to being able to shoot my new Hankins SPML-45. Parker Match/Hunter 275 grain bullets received and ready to size. Also bought 20 275 BE's for simply getting my gun on paper and close prior to dialing it in to zero with the MH's. Boy these bullets are pricey! For the price they should aim themselves! lol My range date schedule is delayed because Bear Basin responded to my follow-up today stating they didn't ship my scope, rings and base last Friday as promised, claim they will ship next-day-air tomorrow. They didn't bother to advise me that they couldn't find the Badger 20 MOA rail they showed in stock when I ordered last Friday. Argh! Anyway, on to my question. I was supplied the bullet sizing die with both smooth and rifled form bushings. What are the pros and cons of full-form versus smooth-form bullet sizing? I've viewed Jeff Hankins video demonstrating how to use the die and adjust for bullet size. How tight should I size the bullets. I obviously know they must be pushed down with the ram-rod and seated on top of the powder charge, but what relative level of pushing force is best? Sure don't want the bullets sliding out of the barrel (or moving off the powder) and sure don't want to bust a gut or have to hammer them down. Should I size slightly smaller in diameter to accommodate the barrel getting fouled after the first shot? Is there a difference in how tight I should size based on full-form or smooth form? I'm excited to shoot the rifle and see what I can do with it. I'll let you guys know how it went after my range visit. Thanks for any recommendations you experienced guys can offer. Regards, Mike Mike, I have found that the thinner the bullet jacket on a bullet is the looser you can size the bullet to the bore smooth formed and get good accuracy. The thicker jacketed bullets, I have found, shoot better sized tight to the bore smooth formed. I gave full forming a half hearted attempt about a year ago, and for me seemed to be more work and learning curve than I was willing to commit to. Smooth forming is a very easy process and I'm sure once it's done for awhile so is full forming. Whichever process you choose, duplicate your sizing process each and every time you size a bullet. The same lube, the same application of lube, the same strokes on the press and lastly clean the bullets of lube before storage/ loading. Also size only the bullets you plan to immediately shoot as you may discover they are sized too loose. Better to do that to 5 to 10 bullets than 50 or a hundred. Take your press to the range with you if you can.
|
|
|
Post by mike on Dec 9, 2015 23:26:22 GMT -5
Thanks guys. As usual, all good information.
|
|
|
Post by GMB54-120 on Dec 10, 2015 11:13:30 GMT -5
That has been my experience too. Parker BEs and 2 other thin jacket bullets load pretty easy in two of my rifles. SSTs/FTXs needed a tighter fit and i got better resulted with a little hotter load or duplex also.
|
|