Hunter Supply bullets

[Robert Swartz]

.....ok, I'm in uncharted territory. I purchased some 193 grain .311 bullets for my Krag. The bullets call for gaschecks. The base of the bullet does measure .311 but the stub below the base measures .278. Do I look for .30 caliber gaschecks or something closer to the .278? I know these can be loaded without the gaschecks. Hopefully I can find some 220 grain bullets eventually. One of my club buddies that has a shop is trying to rustle me up some brass. We may have 5 or 6 Krag shooters before long.

[Major 2]

I use the same bullet,  with Trail boss I have very good results .

[Drydock]

Just get .30 caliber gas checks, they'll crimp onto the stub base of the bullet just fine.  I use the copper "Gator" checks from Sage's Outdoors.

[1961MJS]

Just get .30 caliber gas checks, they'll crimp onto the stub base of the bullet just fine.  I use the copper "Gator" checks from Sage Outfitters.

Thanks for the heads up on those, mine should be here Monday.  I got Copper and Aluminum both.
Later

[Baltimore Ed]

I also use their 193 .311 boolits [with 30 cal copper cks] in my krags and '03s. I had some issues with copper ones coming loose on some of my cast boolits due to spring back. Switched to aluminum and have had no more issues.

[Major 2]

It was Baltimore that hooked me up with some , and I've used them since

[Niederlander]

I've used both copper and aluminum.  So far I haven't been able to tell the difference.

[Robert Swartz]

I use the same bullet,  with Trail boss I have very good results .

.  .......what OAL are you setting these bullets at, 2.80ish? Called Sage Outfitters today, he's out of the  Gator gaschecks. He says he has copper checks and he felt based on what we're doing, the aluminum checks would work for the ranges we're shooting. Anyone tried the aluminum? Safe to use in these 120 year old barrels?

[Niederlander]

I've been using them and they seem to work fine.  Aluminum is much softer than barrel steel.

[Professor Marvel]

I've been using them and they seem to work fine.  Aluminum is much softer than barrel steel.

Aaaaand you also don't risk possible copper fouling...

yhs
prf marbels

[Robert Swartz]

.....awright, y'all have given me some points to ponder. Have most of what I need,  Still waiting on brass! Will build my first loads with Trail boss.  Guy that runs Sage Outfitters said he hopes to have Gator checks by the end of the week. If not I will get the aluminum checks.

[Major 2]

I had to get out to the reloading room to answer your OAL question

I'm using Trail Boss & under 1400 FPS  GC are not really necessary
However I do use both Alum & Copper, never took notes' of any difference

[Robert Swartz]

I had to get out to the reloading room to answer your OAL question

I'm using Trail Boss & under 1400 FPS  GC are not really necessary
However I do use both Alum & Copper, never took notes' of any difference

....so, less than 3.10, when I get some brass, I have a baseline.


......getting closer, Midway has the Lee reloader dies back in stock, ordered those and the .30 cal bullet sizer dies. Will call Sage Outfitters tomorrow and see if he received Gator gas checks? If not, will get the aluminum ones and prep the bullets. See if my buddy comes through with brass. Another question, better to full size or just anneal and neck size 30 40 brass? Kind of interested to see if this old antique can hit anything (referring more to the gun than myself)!

[Robert Swartz]

......received my gator gaschecks yesterday. Got 100 installed, just waiting to get my brass at our next shoot. It appears that 11-12gr of Trailboss is the starting point. Just a question. Due to the primer shortage, I don't have a hugh supply of standard rifle primers. I'd really like to save those for 45-70 BP rounds. I do have a brick of magnum primers. Anyone have any pros or cons on using these?

[Whitehorse Lane]

......received my gator gaschecks yesterday. Got 100 installed, just waiting to get my brass at our next shoot. It appears that 11-12gr of Trailboss is the starting point. Just a question. Due to the primer shortage, I don't have a hugh supply of standard rifle primers. I'd really like to save those for 45-70 BP rounds. I do have a brick of magnum primers. Anyone have any pros or cons on using these?

I reckon they'd go off..

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

I've been waiting to see how this conversation was going.

I have read most of the available reloading and casting manuals. What I've gleaned is that unless your MV is over about 1600 fps that gaschecks are NOT necessary. 

I don't use lube anymore, either. I wrap each unsized bullet with TEFLON gas fitters tape and fold the tape over the base of the bullet in a bit of a pigtail. Works for me!

[Professor Marvel]

Thanks Sir Charles!

Additionally, re Magnum primers:

When using Magnum primers, one will generally get slightly higher pressures than when using standard primers. As a result, it is advisable to work the load up again from the beginning .

Of course YMMV and people will do whatever they want anyway....

Prof marvel

[Pitspitr]

I don't have a hugh supply of standard rifle primers. I'd really like to save those for 45-70 BP rounds. I do have a brick of magnum primers. Anyone have any pros or cons on using these?

I do the reverse. I use Federal 215 Magnums in my BP 45-70.

[Robert Swartz]

I do the reverse. I use Federal 215 Magnums in my BP 45-70.

....

.....hmm, ha at some point I will try them in my 45 70 rounds. A buddy gave me this brick of magnums when you couldn't get anything. In the FWIW discussion, from talking to buddies and sifting thru internet boards. Seems some use the magnum primers with Trailboss. A few claiming better accuracy. For our purposes, just need to get lead on steel with consistency.  Another thing is case life. I have a case length gage. How many reloads before trimming and annealing become an issue?

[Pitspitr]

I got started doing that because of this book: https://www.amazon.com/Loading-cartridges-original-Springfield-carbine/dp/157579019X/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=45%2F70+wolf&qid=1628174508&sr=8-3