Cast Bullets in Old Military Bolt Rifles.

[Adam Helmer]

Cast Bullet Update:

I had a great range session yesterday with a MkIII dated 1911 and a No.4 Mk1 Savage endorsed "US Property." Every rifle is a law unto itself and found that both rifles liked IMR4198 powder and the 185 grain cast bullet. Cast bullets suffice for 90% of my shooting with my military arms. Surprisingly, some rifles shoot to the same point of aim and impact with either jacketed or cast bullets. Other rifles require a bit more elevation on the rear sight for a 100-yard impact. I suggest gun owners keep good records; I am on my 14th shooting notebook. I often scotch tape into the notebook target groups, both good and bad, so I can duplicate good results and avoid lesser performance.

Cast bullets can be sized to fit any bore for good results. The powder charges are much less than for jacketed bullets and the recoil is less. One can shoot more for less cost with cast bullets and the bore is less stressed in the process; what is not to like?

Adam

[Rapier]

Adam,
I ran out space for my notebooks a while back so started using my flat bed scanner to convert targets into jpeg files. I also developed data forms for my computer using Word. I have a major folder titled Reloading with multiple sub folders, normally kept while a cartridge is in development. Then the data from range work is converted to a single multiple page document and placed in a nemerical doc file by caliber.

If you double click on the upper header you can enter the cartridge on the left and such things as Trim length and shell holder for the RCBS trimme on the right. You close the header and save the document as the cartridge, ie 303 Brit. I print a form and take it to my range and make pencil notes on it then enter the data into the computer along with the target scans. Most times I replace momentum with the OAL info.
Ed

[Gil Martin]

Very interesting log sheet. If you do not mind, I will copy it into EXCEL and use it. All the best...
Gil

[Rapier]

Gil,
You are more than welcome as is anyone who wants to use the form or modify it.
Ed