Post by hillbill on Feb 8, 2023 17:01:10 GMT -5
So
To expound upon full forming to a greater extent.
I have full formed for a LOT of different guns, .458s-a few, 450s-several, .416s-one barrel, .375s-two different barrels.
How would full forming benefit average Joe shooter?
1. .458 barrel?
little if any. Have I seen an accuracy advantage full forming .458s vs smooth form land riders? NO
Not to say the full form bullets didn't shoot well because they did but the test sample was relatively small, mostly 310 Rocky Mtn match Hunters, a few of other variety's.
2. .450 barrel (pistol bore)
Since I'm the only dummy I know that has done several I would have to say yes for the most part they shoot very well, at least all I have shot, some to 400 yds. several years back on the old board I shot a .750 group @ 400 yds with a 300 Match Hunter, outstanding? Na,but not bad back then.
Of course the big down side is having to full form every bullet you shoot, no, it's not fun but very doable.
Advantage over smooth form? I don't know there is one other than the fact that every single bullet you send down the barrel is going to fully obturate no matter what load you stick behind it without fail.
For this reason I advise anyone that's a .45 guy to just stick with a .458 tube and smooth form your bullets, disadvantages? likely none vs the .450.
3. .408 cal
I know a few have done pistol bore .40s but I have only done the .408 bores.
Advantage of full forming over smooth? YES and no.
YES being the heavier offerings like the .402-350 Aeromax but let me tell you they are a pain in the rear to index accurately because of the very light engraving. will they shoot? absolutely!
.408 bullets? Full forming is a must and it just flat works. bullet offerings are limited to mostly monos.
.402 bullets 300 grains and under? Yes for the most part they can be successfully smooth formed, with the right load? maybe even the 325s but they are very hard to swell smooth formed without a monster load of powder.
Several are shooting the 225-300 grn .402s smooth formed successfully with the right load, emphasize the RIGHT LOAD.
4. .416 cal (must full form) & anneal prior to
I know of one other guy that tried this caliber extensively and like me he had limited success with it, will it work? yes but consistently? I abandoned it and I think he did as well.
5. .375 cal (must full form) & anneal prior to
I shot mine for a while with the 300 cutting edge bullet and it seemed to do well, they shoot very flat at the upper limits BUT bullet choices are very limited without getting into the very heavy stuff made for the cheytac, I abandoned it in favor of playing with the .40 stuff.
Some day I will revisit with intentions of a very long distance gun.
This is not an exaustive list of bullets and charges used but you guys can get an idea of where a full form bullet is needed and IF you think it would work for you.
To expound upon full forming to a greater extent.
I have full formed for a LOT of different guns, .458s-a few, 450s-several, .416s-one barrel, .375s-two different barrels.
How would full forming benefit average Joe shooter?
1. .458 barrel?
little if any. Have I seen an accuracy advantage full forming .458s vs smooth form land riders? NO
Not to say the full form bullets didn't shoot well because they did but the test sample was relatively small, mostly 310 Rocky Mtn match Hunters, a few of other variety's.
The guy that is dead set on shooting mono bullets? you can try but the offerings are limited and you would likely have to anneal them to get them through the die?
Since I'm the only dummy I know that has done several I would have to say yes for the most part they shoot very well, at least all I have shot, some to 400 yds. several years back on the old board I shot a .750 group @ 400 yds with a 300 Match Hunter, outstanding? Na,but not bad back then.
Of course the big down side is having to full form every bullet you shoot, no, it's not fun but very doable.
Advantage over smooth form? I don't know there is one other than the fact that every single bullet you send down the barrel is going to fully obturate no matter what load you stick behind it without fail.
For this reason I advise anyone that's a .45 guy to just stick with a .458 tube and smooth form your bullets, disadvantages? likely none vs the .450.
3. .408 cal
I know a few have done pistol bore .40s but I have only done the .408 bores.
Advantage of full forming over smooth? YES and no.
YES being the heavier offerings like the .402-350 Aeromax but let me tell you they are a pain in the rear to index accurately because of the very light engraving. will they shoot? absolutely!
.408 bullets? Full forming is a must and it just flat works. bullet offerings are limited to mostly monos.
.402 bullets 300 grains and under? Yes for the most part they can be successfully smooth formed, with the right load? maybe even the 325s but they are very hard to swell smooth formed without a monster load of powder.
Several are shooting the 225-300 grn .402s smooth formed successfully with the right load, emphasize the RIGHT LOAD.
4. .416 cal (must full form) & anneal prior to
I know of one other guy that tried this caliber extensively and like me he had limited success with it, will it work? yes but consistently? I abandoned it and I think he did as well.
5. .375 cal (must full form) & anneal prior to
I shot mine for a while with the 300 cutting edge bullet and it seemed to do well, they shoot very flat at the upper limits BUT bullet choices are very limited without getting into the very heavy stuff made for the cheytac, I abandoned it in favor of playing with the .40 stuff.
Some day I will revisit with intentions of a very long distance gun.
This is not an exaustive list of bullets and charges used but you guys can get an idea of where a full form bullet is needed and IF you think it would work for you.
Most need not go there, those that do better have a big dose of patience and like to tinker with something out of the norm. Yes it can be rewarding when you find a combo that works well.
So Add to this the extra needs for a die and HD press, funnel for loading the bullet through the brake and make your decision from there.