Casting and Powder Coating 9MM

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March 15th, 2021, 07:01 AM
line052

1 Attachment(s)

Casting and Powder Coating 9MM

Like many before I have casted, gas checked and lubed many a bullet over the last 8 yrs and they all performed well...but it was a real PIA for GC and Lube process.

About 2 months ago I ordered all new LEE molds for .224, .356 (9MM), and .30 cal (308, 30-30, 30-06), got me some Princess Auto Blue/Red Powder Coating and Toaster oven. Havent had much time to do much other then (9mm and .223) and finally got the 9MM coated and completed.

The process of coating and baking at 400F is so much easier and I will making these PC for about .08 cents per round.

Loaded up 100 rds of 9MM, 124gr, with different powders for ladder tests (10 each)
Clays 3.2, 3.6, 3.8, 4.0 (Max)
700X - 3.2, 3.4, 3.6, 3.8 (max)
Vitavoria - 3N37 3.4, 3.6

Once I can get to range will report results

Picture is cast 9MM against with Campro 124gr FMJ. Finished weight is between 123-126grs. turned out really good in blue, great coverage.

Attachment 41531
March 15th, 2021, 08:49 AM
sawbill

Have you miked any significant change in bullet diameter with and would wonder if this process leaves any build-up in the barrel?
March 15th, 2021, 11:09 AM
js4fn

Those do look great shake and bake once?
March 15th, 2021, 02:01 PM
Big Jack

Sawbill Once you run them through the size die they are ready to go.
They do not leave anything other than a bit of white powder in the barrel.
Line 052 - looks great and good luck!
March 16th, 2021, 07:08 AM
line052

Quote:

Originally Posted by sawbill

Have you miked any significant change in bullet diameter with and would wonder if this process leaves any build-up in the barrel?

I resized before PC and after, using LEE .356 resizing die. The seat normal in cases
March 16th, 2021, 07:10 AM
line052

Quote:

Originally Posted by js4fn

Those do look great shake and bake once?

Just once, #5 PET cool whip container, the blue seems to coat better then red. Before coating, I soak and dry in acetone to remove all residue
March 18th, 2021, 06:09 PM
js4fn

I was at princess auto today grab bottle and of the blue.
Not sure when I get to baking some. But did you stand yours all up have you try just dumping on grate screen ?
March 19th, 2021, 05:59 AM
line052

No change, the mold is .356 consistent, I resized using the LEE .356 dies before and after powder coating.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sawbill

Have you miked any significant change in bullet diameter with and would wonder if this process leaves any build-up in the barrel?
March 19th, 2021, 06:07 AM
line052

I got the blue and red powders. I am finding the blue coats better and more consistent then red. Did some (100) ladder loads with different powders for the .223 this week, hoping to get to range this weekend...unless MikePal invites me over....hint, hint...

Quote:

Originally Posted by js4fn

I was at princess auto today grab bottle and of the blue.
Not sure when I get to baking some. But did you stand yours all up have you try just dumping on grate screen ?
March 19th, 2021, 06:13 AM
line052

1 Attachment(s)

.223 Ladder loadsAttachment 41542
March 19th, 2021, 06:19 AM
line052

I tumble in container and just pour 1/4" chicken wire tray I built from hardware cloth (wire). Some of the .223 fall through, but 9mm dont. The first couple of bakes coated the wire in PC and they stopped having small marks on outside of bullets. Some guys get the mesh baskets from Bed Bath and beyond or dollar store, I couldn't find them. Plus I am building a chicken coop, so can use the rest of roll.

Quote:

Originally Posted by js4fn

I was at princess auto today grab bottle and of the blue.
Not sure when I get to baking some. But did you stand yours all up have you try just dumping on grate screen ?
March 19th, 2021, 04:54 PM
js4fn

Quote:

Originally Posted by line052

I tumble in container and just pour 1/4" chicken wire tray I built from hardware cloth (wire). Some of the .223 fall through, but 9mm dont. The first couple of bakes coated the wire in PC and they stopped having small marks on outside of bullets. Some guys get the mesh baskets from Bed Bath and beyond or dollar store, I couldn't find them. Plus I am building a chicken coop, so can use the rest of roll.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...49bd780d70.jpg
I have some of this mesh screen 3/16 stainless.
Since your the experience one lol. Think it will work ok or to tight. I’m doing .44
March 22nd, 2021, 06:55 AM
line052

Yup, no problem. I noticed with my 1/4" chicken wire it took a few bakes to coat the wire and then I got less marks on the bullets.

Quote:

Originally Posted by js4fn

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...49bd780d70.jpg
I have some of this mesh screen 3/16 stainless.
Since your the experience one lol. Think it will work ok or to tight. I’m doing .44
March 22nd, 2021, 07:18 AM
line052

1 Attachment(s)

Range Report .223 and 9MM PC bullets.

I didn't take any pictures of the targets, as accuracy wasn't the issue and my new Crony still hasn't come in mail. This was a function test to see if the powders I was using in ladder loads in 9MM and .223, would cycle and the effects.

For the 9MM Clay (Powder), started at 3 gr and functioned perfectly, but as I went up 3.8, I could feel the over powering difference
700X was the same
Vitravori - Same

Of note: Clays offered the best value in performance vs cost.

.223 The powder coated bullets performed the same as I expected and at the higher end of loads, same thing. IMR 4166, 4895, Varget and CFE 223 at the higher ends filled the cases to almost full and I had to compress the powder during bullet seating. Sure wish I had that crony for these tests. I still did not load full charges according Hornaday Cartridge loading guide. 4166, I had to go online to forums and find load data and still believe 24-25grs is still too much, as they were hard shooting rounds, and I went under the published data I could find to be safe.

All of the powder did very well at each load data and accuracy was not much of issue as I was free hand bench shooting at 50 yards so 4-6" inch groups..meh.. I was also pressed for time to shoot 50 rounds per session (X 4 or 2 hrs paid) with 30 minutes between target changes.

I think I will develop IMR 4198 and 3031, again offering the best bang for the buck.

Had lots of guys interrupting me, to see the cast and PC bullets asking lots of question. I was surprised by the amount Ruger PC 9 shooters, and many "AR 15 Style" rifles on the table tables that were NOT part of the BAN.

Attachment 41562
March 22nd, 2021, 06:01 PM
js4fn

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...b543f94f80.jpg

My first powder coats.
March 23rd, 2021, 06:02 AM
line052

Nice and they will work no problem.

Quote:

Originally Posted by js4fn

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...b543f94f80.jpg

My first powder coats.
March 24th, 2021, 05:49 PM
js4fn

Thanks for the help.
.44 Russian brass tweaked for .44 bulldog 140 year old gun

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...f03e5840d0.jpg
March 25th, 2021, 06:00 AM
line052

Nice, looks good.

Quote:

Originally Posted by js4fn

Thanks for the help.
.44 Russian brass tweaked for .44 bulldog 140 year old gun

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...f03e5840d0.jpg
June 1st, 2021, 01:03 PM
js4fn

Princess auto had black today
Playing with color
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...2ef2558dfd.jpg
June 2nd, 2021, 12:11 PM
line052

Wow, very cool. I have been having so much fun shooting these. Knowing I have 2K of them on the shelf, no chasing stores or ordering online bullet heads. Remember these are not meant to replace hunting bullets, but just happy to pull trigger and not worry about cost.

For hunting - 9MM, zero issues at 50M, .223 for varmit under 100M, zero issues taking that shot.

I casted and PC'ed 150gr RNBT LEE .309 bullet heads .30CAL, but have yet to load in 30-30 or .308 for testing so far. Still have 170gr HPBT to cast yet for .30 cal. Still have not had time to cast "0" gauge buckshot either...time, time, time...

Quote:

Originally Posted by js4fn

Princess auto had black today
Playing with color
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...2ef2558dfd.jpg