Loaded tumbling issue...

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chrisf8657

chrisf8657

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Hey all...

I tumbled some 38 Spl 125g SJHP rounds to get rid of fingerprints, and now all the hollowpoints are packed with corn cob media.:cuss:

Outside of having to pick it out one by one, any ideas?
 
I quit using corn cob media because of the problems involved with getting the media out of small caliber bottleneck cartridges. Sounds like another legitimate reason to stop using the stuff. :banghead:
 
Not sure but,... I seem to recall that the movie industry uses something similar to enhance the flash so that it shows up better on film. So my advice is fire away and thrill your friends and family. OR NOT.
 
If you don't have access to compressed air (and nozzle) then LIGHTLY tap the bullet tip against a soft wood object, it should dislodge the media without seating your bullet any deeper (potential problem).
 
You'll pretty much have to pick them out. The smaller the pick (needle?), the better.

On the other hand, you'll often find small kernals of ground walnut in factory hollowpoint bullets from their final tumbling. It doesn't hurt anything if you're shooting paper.

Hope this helps.

Fred
 
I quit using corn cob media because of the problems involved with getting the media out of small caliber bottleneck cartridges. Sounds like another legitimate reason to stop using the stuff.
Click to expand...

I tumbled some 38 Spl 125g SJHP rounds to get rid of fingerprints, and now all the hollowpoints are packed with corn cob media
Click to expand...

Corn Cob media has been cussed and discussed here in regards to p;ugging primer pockets, flash holes, bottle neck rifle cartridges, etc., etc.

One more time again, if one uses the fine corn cob the problem is solved and none existent. Follow this link and your problem will be no nore, the price is right, and the shipping is free, sorta hard to beat, but thats just my opinion.

http://www.drillspot.com/products/521055/econoline_526040g-40_40_lbs_blast_media
 
Even though I do use drillspot media now, it does still get stuck in small HPBT's, and nosler JHP's after tumbling, JC.

Just use a pin for ultrafine HP's, or a fine Phillips screwdriver and a single twist for pistol HP's.
 
20/40

Unless it was 1/2, its gonna get stuck in this.

Nothing is perfect, but that media is really good. Delivered fast, and really cheap.

These types of points will find the media specs that aren't exactly 20 , or 40 :)
 

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I purchased a thousand .308 Mark 318, 130 grain SOST pulls a couple of months ago, when they arrived 90% of the Hollowpoints were packed with corn cob (the HPs look a lot like the ones in blarby's post). Since I plan to use them on hogs and need proper terminal ballistic performance I've been working on getting it out.

I had some luck with a tiny drill bit chucked into my Dremel, with the much larger hole in your HPs, this might be a viable option.

Unfortunately trying to do a thousand of my tiny little HPs would drive me insane, so my current plan is to try a strong sulfuric acid bath for a few days. No idea if it'll work, but I'm gonna try it with 2 or 3 test subjects as soon as I get the acid.
Swampman
 
I have no idea the grit I'm using, but i'm sure it's very course.
I may be using a tad bit too much tumbler polish also, as it's caking the media in there as well. I put it in there everytime I run it, and as I've read, is unnecessary.

I just finished removing all of the granules about an hour ago using several toothpicks to dig the media out of 150 rounds. Went pretty quick, but my hands are tired and sore.

Like some of the other replies, I also had it stuck in my 69 & 62 gr HPBT Sierra's for my .223 SHTF loads...No way I can get that out - the hole is too small.

I'll try the cob "blasting" compound next time - thanks jcwit.
I do have to ask - is this "approved" by members...or just you? (No offense...just want to be careful)
And, is it fine kinda like sand-blasting compound?

Thanks guys
 
chrisf8657 said:
Hey all...

I tumbled some 38 Spl 125g SJHP rounds to get rid of fingerprints, and now all the hollowpoints are packed with corn cob media.:cuss:

Outside of having to pick it out one by one, any ideas?
Click to expand...
How about just leaving the fingerprints? Does your gun shoot better when the ammunition is shiny? Really?

Note: opinion of an old F*rt who has been loading ammunition that looks scrufty, and shoots extremely well, for over fifty years.
 
strong sulfuric acid bath for a few days.
Click to expand...
That sounds like a bad idea, as the acid will also desolve the bullet jackets and lead cores.

I also wouldn't want to be shooting acid residue filled HP's through any rifle barrel I own as it would be a sure recipe for rust.

rc
 
@blarby are you just using the needle to pick it out, or are you blowing air in with a.syringe to force it out?
The cob is packed so tightly in these HPs that even with the drill bit spinning 30,000 rpm, I've got to touch pretty much all of the media before it comes out, and even then, it takes a lot of tapping to get it all.

@rcmodel, the small amount of research I've done seems to indicate that unless the sulfuric acid is kept very hot, it won't significantly affect the gilding metal.
I didn't really do any research as far as lead is concerned, but since the last battery in my truck lasted more than seven years, I'm going to assume that lead doesn't dissolve very quickly in sulfuric acid.
I appreciate your concern for my bore, but it has always been my intention to rinse the acid off thoroughly before loading or shooting the bullets. I don't think that the acid will even completely dissolve the cob, I'm really just hoping to soften it enough so that it can be rinsed out with a strong stream of water. This should take care of any residual acid. But since you make a good point about rust (and litmus paper is cheap while rifle barrels are expensive), I'll check the bullets for PH and neutralize any residual acid with baking soda if needed.
Lastly, as I stated in my post, I intend to test this idea with two or three bullets first to see how it works, I have no plans to dump them all into the acid immediately.
Again, I thank you for your concern,
Swampman
 
Cob

yeah, you either need to use larger media that does not foul the tips or stop using it. IMHO the post-loading tumbling is only cosmetic. Sure they look better but it's an extra step that does not improve the performance. I have never done it in 20 years of reloading everything imaginable from .270 to a myriad of wildcats. I'd cut the step out altogether.
 
I am of the opinion that a plugged JHP pistol bullet is probably going to retard or prevent expansion.

I am also of the opinion that a plugged high-velocity rifle bullet going 3,000 FPS could not care less.
And the corn cob media would stand about the same chance as a fart in a Kansas Tornado when it hits something.

It sure won't effect accuracy when it gets packed solidly & uniformly against the back of the hole when the powder charge kicks it in the butt.

I would not worry about it in the least.

If it bothers you to look at it?
Don't look at it.

Choot'm!

rc
 
A hypo needle has the advantage of slicing little pieces off and channeling them up the needle.

What doesn't get picked out, gets a hole picked through it, the plug of which eventually comes out the end after you do 50 or 60 of them.

After you get through the first hard piece or two in the bullet tip, the rest usually just shake out. IF not, stab again !

This is in regards to rifle, like the ones pic'd above.

For JHP handgun bullets, I just lightly screw in a fine phillips screwdriver.... its always comes right out after that.

I don't think the acid bath would hurt your bullet components, but it seems a bit.........caustic.......... and dramatic a process for something that I don't believe really needs it.
 
How about just leaving the fingerprints? Does your gun shoot better when the ammunition is shiny? Really?
Click to expand...

We like shiny ammo while living on the threshold of death.
 
You could try putting them in the tumbler without any media for several minutes to see if that will knock the corn cob media out.

GS
 
I use hole shot lube. After I load I just wipe them with a clean rag. I use lg corn cob. It works great with 9, 40, 45. Nice and shiny !!
 
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