A fellow reloader friend (an older gent) (not the same one with the 8MM-06 problem) told me that when I was loading this 7Mag, If the case wasn't full enough to make it a compressed load when I seat the bullet, I should insert some sort of stuffing such as Dacron (from a pillow) so the case is full. I have never done this, and was wondering what the benefits were, and whether or not to do this, and if I should also do it with my 300 win mag.(er my sons 300 win mag)
case fullness question
- Thread starter JDMAG
- Start date
longwinters
Handloader
- Oct 10, 2004
- 1,476
- 1
I have never heard that a compressed load was necessary at any point. Granted a person needs enought powder to ignite consistently, but other than using a filler because some prefer to fireform their brass with very light loads I have never seen a reason for it and never saw my loads lacking because of it.
Long
Long
- Thread starter
- #3
Me neither :? This guy seems to be more knowledgeable than any other gun dude around here, and has been in business alot longer than the rest also.I don't doubt him, I just don't see the need.
He also suggested instead of crimping my bullets, I should put a thin coat of "Indian head shellac" around the base of the bullet then seat it.when dry, it would hold the bullet and be more consistent than I could be with a Lee factory crimp die. any thoughts on this?
JDMAG
He also suggested instead of crimping my bullets, I should put a thin coat of "Indian head shellac" around the base of the bullet then seat it.when dry, it would hold the bullet and be more consistent than I could be with a Lee factory crimp die. any thoughts on this?
JDMAG
Charlie-NY
Handloader
- Mar 11, 2005
- 1,437
- 904
That would not be the recommendation of any of the major reloading guides that are available.
Loads that run between 90%-100% load density are a good idea but filling the remaining air-space would not be something that most would recommend.
I have never heard of a competitive shooter employing such a technique to improve accuracy so what would the purpose be?
Loads that run between 90%-100% load density are a good idea but filling the remaining air-space would not be something that most would recommend.
I have never heard of a competitive shooter employing such a technique to improve accuracy so what would the purpose be?
- Thread starter
- #5
Antelope_Sniper
Handloader
- Jan 25, 2008
- 2,618
- 0
If you want a compressed load, use a slower powder. Persoanlly I like compressed loads, so I usually start with a slow powder to begin with.
Shellac and nail polish are sometimes used as a sealant to prevent moisture, but I have yet to meet a benchrest shooter that uses it.
Shellac and nail polish are sometimes used as a sealant to prevent moisture, but I have yet to meet a benchrest shooter that uses it.
- Oct 30, 2004
- 24,395
- 3,325
All my loads except for reduced plinking type are 90% loading density or better.
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
- 37,506
- 6,521
JDMAG,
The use of Dacron may be warranted when you are using a fast powder in a large capacity case (e.g. 458 Winchester, 458 Lott, etc.). An alternative solution in such instances is to use a slower powder which will give you a greater volume of powder in the case. In the 7mm RM, it is difficult to imagine what powder you would be using that would reduce volume enough to justify the need for Dacron.
The use of Dacron may be warranted when you are using a fast powder in a large capacity case (e.g. 458 Winchester, 458 Lott, etc.). An alternative solution in such instances is to use a slower powder which will give you a greater volume of powder in the case. In the 7mm RM, it is difficult to imagine what powder you would be using that would reduce volume enough to justify the need for Dacron.
Powerstroke
Handloader
- Feb 24, 2006
- 1,800
- 71
I recall a post about a year ago or so on this same subject. I'm with the rest of them and don't see it necessary. I like a full case myself.....
I have yet to ever crimp a bullet or apply any type of sealer... now granted I think my climate may be a little dryer, but I still don't see a need for the sealer ??
I have yet to ever crimp a bullet or apply any type of sealer... now granted I think my climate may be a little dryer, but I still don't see a need for the sealer ??
- Thread starter
- #10
I actually think from the conversation, that he was not only using it to seal, but to hold the bullet. sometimes the smartest people you know, make you wonder.
While his ideas are feasible, they are not common. and I have a feeling he hasn't reloaded for a while and or possibly doesn't use a caliber with a large case capacity.
I am glad This forum is here to consult when I run across something out of the ordinary.
Thanks for all the input.
JDMAG
While his ideas are feasible, they are not common. and I have a feeling he hasn't reloaded for a while and or possibly doesn't use a caliber with a large case capacity.
I am glad This forum is here to consult when I run across something out of the ordinary.
Thanks for all the input.
JDMAG
Guy Miner
Master Loader
- Apr 6, 2006
- 17,844
- 6,348
JDMag - is there a range near you that hosts any kind of rifle competition?
Rifle competitors almost all handload, because they burn literally thousands of rounds a year and factory ammo is just too expensive, besides they really wring out the best accuracy possible from their rifles.
A fellow can learn a lot from a little time with someone who loads and shoots two or three thousand precision-crafted rounds per year...
No you don't need the dacron filler in your 7mm Rem mag. Most of the good loads for that cartridge, and any other high-intensity rifle cartridge - are going to nearly fill the case anyway. Reloader 22 is a superb powder for the 7mm Rem mag, as is H4831. Both are bulky, slow-burning powders that will nearly fill the case with good loads.
Regarding the crimp - frankly you don't need one at all. Period.
Again - look at the rifle competition guys - they don't crimp their cartridges and the NRA highpower types have to do rapid fire strings so their ammo has to go into the magazine and is subject to all the recoil that a hunter's ammo faces. A good snug fit of the brass case mouth to the bullet is all that's needed - with some exceptions:
1. If you're loading for a conventional lever gun with a tubular magazine the ammo likely needs to be crimped.
2. If you're loading for one of those real powerhouse rounds like a .375 H&H or a .458 Win mag - the ammo likely needs to be crimped. Unless maybe for a single-shot hunting rifle...
The crimp mostly keeps the bullet from jumping forward on recoil. I've NEVER had this happen with rifle ammo that was simply seated in a snug case neck. That includes stuff from the little .204 Ruger up through the rompin' stompin' .300 Win mag & .300 Rem Ultra Mag. No need for the crimp.
Shellac? You gotta be kidding... Why??? No reason to do so. Show me someone who shoots competition who paints their bullets... Show me a reputable loading manual advocating shellac on the bullets... Nope.
I have heard of guys using a bit of shellac on the primers and case mouths to waterproof their cartridges - but have never had a cartridge fail to fire because it got wet, and I hunt up here in Washington State where it rains - a lot.
The only rifle cartridge I load and crimp is my .45/70 for the lever action Marlin. If I had a single shot Ruger in .45/70, I'd seriously consider getting rid of the crimp and rely on neck tension alone.
Regards, Guy
Rifle competitors almost all handload, because they burn literally thousands of rounds a year and factory ammo is just too expensive, besides they really wring out the best accuracy possible from their rifles.
A fellow can learn a lot from a little time with someone who loads and shoots two or three thousand precision-crafted rounds per year...
No you don't need the dacron filler in your 7mm Rem mag. Most of the good loads for that cartridge, and any other high-intensity rifle cartridge - are going to nearly fill the case anyway. Reloader 22 is a superb powder for the 7mm Rem mag, as is H4831. Both are bulky, slow-burning powders that will nearly fill the case with good loads.
Regarding the crimp - frankly you don't need one at all. Period.
Again - look at the rifle competition guys - they don't crimp their cartridges and the NRA highpower types have to do rapid fire strings so their ammo has to go into the magazine and is subject to all the recoil that a hunter's ammo faces. A good snug fit of the brass case mouth to the bullet is all that's needed - with some exceptions:
1. If you're loading for a conventional lever gun with a tubular magazine the ammo likely needs to be crimped.
2. If you're loading for one of those real powerhouse rounds like a .375 H&H or a .458 Win mag - the ammo likely needs to be crimped. Unless maybe for a single-shot hunting rifle...
The crimp mostly keeps the bullet from jumping forward on recoil. I've NEVER had this happen with rifle ammo that was simply seated in a snug case neck. That includes stuff from the little .204 Ruger up through the rompin' stompin' .300 Win mag & .300 Rem Ultra Mag. No need for the crimp.
Shellac? You gotta be kidding... Why??? No reason to do so. Show me someone who shoots competition who paints their bullets... Show me a reputable loading manual advocating shellac on the bullets... Nope.
I have heard of guys using a bit of shellac on the primers and case mouths to waterproof their cartridges - but have never had a cartridge fail to fire because it got wet, and I hunt up here in Washington State where it rains - a lot.
The only rifle cartridge I load and crimp is my .45/70 for the lever action Marlin. If I had a single shot Ruger in .45/70, I'd seriously consider getting rid of the crimp and rely on neck tension alone.
Regards, Guy
- Thread starter
- #12
