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Good info in this thread. I've been wondering how powder-coating works in this scenario, and this clears things up pretty well. Thanks all!
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I am findig that the bullets don't need to be quite as hard. I'm sure that helps with obturation upon firing. It could be that the pc just helps seal the bore more effectively against gas cutting. I have no proof of course it's just speculation based on what I'm observing. I don't see much leading on the trailing edge of the rifling anymore.Possible, but one of the reasons I started powder coating was trouble with leading in 9mm. The same load with the same alloy would lead the bore slightly with traditionally lubed bullets, but not a trace with PC.
Same thing with one of my .45s with a bore a bit oversize. I sized and loaded ammo separately for it, and hated having two different loads. With PC bullets I've found that I can shoot the regular .452" bullets in it just fine.
Also, I have a .45 Colt revolver with a somewhat rough forcing cone. No matter what I did it would lead a bit with lead bullets. With PC bullets, no leading! I'm happy with it.
I'm sure the old rules about sizing still apply, but I think there's a bit more wiggle room with powder coating.
Possible, but one of the reasons I started powder coating was trouble with leading in 9mm. The same load with the same alloy would lead the bore slightly with traditionally lubed bullets, but not a trace with PC.
Same thing with one of my .45s with a bore a bit oversize. I sized and loaded ammo separately for it, and hated having two different loads. With PC bullets I've found that I can shoot the regular .452" bullets in it just fine.
Also, I have a .45 Colt revolver with a somewhat rough forcing cone. No matter what I did it would lead a bit with lead bullets. With PC bullets, no leading! I'm happy with it.
I'm sure the old rules about sizing still apply, but I think there's a bit more wiggle room with powder coating.
If not that could be part of your problem, the forcing cone is downsizing the bullet smaller than the bore.
First attempt at coating, 215gr .429 bullets.
Put about 100 BB's into tub, added ~100 bullets and 1tsp of powder.
- Colt brand air soft pellets from Big 5
- Harbor Freight Yellow Powder
- Recycle class 5 tub from Dollar Tree
- Cookie sheet from Dollar Tree
- Total cost of materials for first time, $14.98
Swirled around for ~3 minutes.
Using Tweezers, inverted in pistol cartridge trays like @ageingstudent
Did 175 this way, placed cookie sheet over and flipped. came out nicely.
Placed remaining 16 on tray using tweezers.
Preheated oven to 400°F, confirmed temperature using IR thermometer.
Placed sheet in oven. Set timer for 15 minutes.
Pulled out at 14 minutes.
Very slight fruity smell from oven while heating.
Results:
View attachment 474933
Smash Test: (the white flakes are from paint that was on my mallet)
View attachment 474934
Now for sizing.
Observations:
Before coating, weighed 10. Avg = 214.2gr, SD=2.1gr
After Coating, weighed 10. Avg = 217.5gr, SD = 0.6gr
Above measurements did not account for potential variation in lot.
Cookie sheet was non-stick, but those bullets were melted onto the tray. Need to spray with silicone or lightly oil next time.
Very pleased with the results. Looking forward to trying with .308, .357, and .284 projectiles.
Thanks!For the sticking issue, another option is to try parchment paper (baking parchment - found in the cooking/baking isle) on your baking sheet - that way you won't have to spray oil or silicone. The sheets are reusable multiple times and are temperature safe up to 500 degrees. I use them for cooking, but have used them for craft items that have to be heated as well. Parchment is treated with silicone to make it non-stick. Comes in pre-cut sheets and rolls. I buy them in bulk online from a place like Amazon.
First attempt at coating, 215gr .429 bullets.
Put about 100 BB's into tub, added ~100 bullets and 1tsp of powder.
- Colt brand air soft pellets from Big 5
- Harbor Freight Yellow Powder
- Recycle class 5 tub from Dollar Tree
- Cookie sheet from Dollar Tree
- Total cost of materials for first time, $14.98
Swirled around for ~3 minutes.
Using Tweezers, inverted in pistol cartridge trays like @ageingstudent
Did 175 this way, placed cookie sheet over and flipped. came out nicely.
Placed remaining 16 on tray using tweezers.
Preheated oven to 400°F, confirmed temperature using IR thermometer.
Placed sheet in oven. Set timer for 15 minutes.
Pulled out at 14 minutes.
Very slight fruity smell from oven while heating.
Results:
View attachment 474933
Smash Test: (the white flakes are from paint that was on my mallet)
View attachment 474934
Now for sizing.
Observations:
Before coating, weighed 10. Avg = 214.2gr, SD=2.1gr
After Coating, weighed 10. Avg = 217.5gr, SD = 0.6gr
Above measurements did not account for potential variation in lot.
Cookie sheet was non-stick, but those bullets were melted onto the tray. Need to spray with silicone or lightly oil next time.
Very pleased with the results. Looking forward to trying with .308, .357, and .284 projectiles.