Over primer wads

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JonnyV
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Re: Over primer wads

Post by JonnyV »

Yeah I’m gonna play with this some… Probably bracket tested a couple of steps in each direction. I’d like to see a little more velocity but I guess I can live with it the way it is as long as accuracy holds up. Also, you got to keep in mind these are range scrap bullets. I think the load will get a little bit better when I start in with John Walters certified 20-1 alloy.
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desert deuce
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Re: Over primer wads

Post by desert deuce »

Try that load or something similar at 1,000 yards before you leave that velocity.
1297 fps will get you to 1,000 yards with that bullet in good shape I am pretty sure.
Maybe do a ladder load check.
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flatsguide
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Re: Over primer wads

Post by flatsguide »

Jonnyv, thanks for posting your info. What was your SD before using the over primer wads?
ThanksRichard
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JonnyV
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Re: Over primer wads

Post by JonnyV »

flatsguide wrote: Mon Nov 22, 2021 7:20 am Jonnyv, thanks for posting your info. What was your SD before using the over primer wads?
ThanksRichard

It was a little higher. I haven’t had much time for loading lately. Hopefully I’ll get back to it after thanksgiving. Running a bracket test in this load will be a priority for me.
Coltwcf44
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Re: Over primer wads

Post by Coltwcf44 »

Since I'm still really new at this, I'llhave to ask. What is the reason for using an over primer wad and what result would I expect to see?
Kenny Wasserburger
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Re: Over primer wads

Post by Kenny Wasserburger »

At relatively short distances you won’t see much of any difference.

However at the chronograph I have seen my ES cut in half and my SD’s often well under 3-4 FPS.

Where it shows up is in vertical, at long range especially, a real eye opener was at 1 mile where I set a record for #of hits in a 10 shot string of fire of 8/10.

A later measurement showed my hits were in 18 inches from top strike to bottom strike, at 1 mile.

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JonnyV
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Re: Over primer wads

Post by JonnyV »

So today I did another test...We are starting prep for the next shooting season right now, focusing on the Quigley, but would like to shoot in the big Shiloh match as well, maybe another one or two if work schedule allows...

So this load was 72 gr of 1.5 Swiss under an .060 fiber wad with a slick newsprint wad between the fiber and the bullet ("release wad" keeps the bullet from sticking to the fiber) and an over primer wad (nitrite paper) that keeps powder from packing into the flash hole and messing with ignition, .300" compression...

14 shots recorded in this string...

Image

I'm not real pleased with this, I figure I can cut the SD by at least half. We ran this test still using range scrap alloy for the bullets. The mold is a 535 grain Brooks New Postell, first two bands reduced. I will say that loading the Swiss is a LOT nicer than loading OE. For whatever reason, the OE I have looks like the crud I get in the tube sand bags from Home Desperate. Non-uniform grain size, splashes out of the case (not sure why) and chronograph results not as good.

Learning BP is a butt-load of fun! Might get my buddy Logan (big time precision shooter) to jump ship to the dark side LOL...He wants to borrow a rifle for a buffalo hunt next year...he'll be hooked before he knows it LOL....
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Re: Over primer wads

Post by Gussy »

In regard to powder bouncing out of the case.

I finally put an O ring at the bottom of my drop tube to somewhat seal the opening. And a couple wraps of masking tape to keep me from pushing the O ring up.
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Re: Over primer wads

Post by sandhillcowboy1 »

Gussy’s solution sounds like it would work well to keep powder from bouncing out of case when drop tubed. I drilled a hole in a sweat copper cap that just fit my drop tube and then inserted the drop tube in to where it extends through slightly. Soldered it on. The fitting just fits around .45 cal cases and also works well on .40 cases. The inside of cap sets down on case neck. No powder jump out.

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Woody
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Re: Over primer wads

Post by Woody »

I solved the bouncing powder by placing a small diameter funnel on the bottom of my drop tube. Place the funnel over the case and the case is sealed against the inside angle of the funnel. Works with any case neck from 38 to 50 cal.

The tube is made from a piece of straight stainless brakeline from NAPA. I attached a RCBS powder funnel to the top of it. The bottom funnel is turned on a lathe and made from solid brass bar stock, then soft soldered to the brake line.

Woody

Oh - I still don't use primer wads. My experience did not show any measurable improvement by using them. YRMV.
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Re: Over primer wads

Post by Kurt »

You defeat the purpose of the drop tube if you stick the tube in the case mouth. Pulling it out of the case you loosen the powder or even spill it out of the case.
This copper sweat reducer fits the .38 to 50 caliber cases when you use a 3/8 ID or OD copper pipe. I like the 3/8 OD.
Nothing gets spilled unless you overfill the case. :D
As far as using a under the primer or under the powder wad I don't see any difference for it making any difference with the ES or SD. The only difference I have any effect is defacing the breach blocks.
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JonnyV
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Re: Over primer wads

Post by JonnyV »

Good idea! Think I’ll go do the same thing….
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Re: Over primer wads

Post by Kurt »

This is what happen using the primer wads with two rifles I have. The top block is from the .50-2.5 Shiloh
The bottom is from the CPA .44-90 BN.
I caught the Shiloh block sooner than the CPA because I pull the Shiloh block usually after shooting to clean the rifle. The CPA is a little tougher to put back together again so I don't pull it as much.
The back pressure from the primer causes the primer blow by.

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JonnyV
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Re: Over primer wads

Post by JonnyV »

My rifle shows no such wear…I wonder if Kenny’s rifle looks like that? Anyone else using primer wads?
kwilliams
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Re: Over primer wads

Post by kwilliams »

That erosion looks like it could have been caused by loose primer pockets? I have used primers wads now for 3 years in 2 rifles, so far so good.
kw
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