Building a Pressure Trace "platform"

[Duvel]

Howdy all


I've turned reloading the 10mm into a bit of a hobby, and after a year I'm at 811 loads, using 43 powders and 78 bullets.

I've got QuickLOAD, and have included predictions with actual chrono results, but now want to add strain gauge results.

I've purchased a Pressure Trace II, and it seems it's only limit is the chamber must be round.

I envision a simple mechanism, perhaps V-blocks (mounted to a steel plate) to retain a short barrel, and thrust block / breach with a firing pin.

I purchased an aftermarket Glock barrel in 10 with the idea of having the chamber end turned down to round, but am unable to find a smith willing to do the work (fear of reducing chamber dimensions, liability).

I have considered a Contender barrel, but availability and cost have me looking elsewhere first.

My question: Any suggestions for a barrel blank in .40, or one chamber in 10mm?

I have looked at Douglas, Shilen, Lilja (etc), and can't seem to find a stock offering.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Duvel]

Maybe an AR or ASR barrel? Thoughts?

http://www.tnwfirearms.com/product-p/asrx-gp03-xxxx-xxxx-blas.htm

 

[LoonWulf]

Lothar-walther produces blanks for pistols, you cohld contact them directly, perhaps get exactly what u want.

 

[Acera]

Do you feel that your purchased barrel will be safe if machined to your specifications?

Will you have other safety measures in place in case it fails?

If so, forget the gunsmith and take it to a machine shop and have them do exactly what you want. You will probably get a better job, faster and cheaper. However you will not have anybody to blame if it fails other than yourself.

Remember machinists do that type of thing day in and day out, where a busy gunsmith does those things infrequently compared to the vast majority of their other work. Machine shops usually have better, newer machines and the machinists are a lot better than those that don't make a living doing machining work 40+ hours a week.


Good Luck,



.

 

[Duvel]

Thanks for the responses!

Acera: It's a Glock AF barrel that I would have turned, so the squared chamber would be rounded to an outside dimension equal to the rest of the barrel. Since the narrowest part of the chamber is the same width as the barrel OD I think it should work. Regardless, if I go that route all precautionary measures will be taken.

Loonwulf: Thanks for the tip! Hadn't thought of Lowthar. I browsed their catalog and it seems they have a couple good candidates. I've contacted them and hope to hear back soon.

Since I already purchased a barrel I think I'll contact a machinist about turning it. In the mean time I need to find some V blocks to secure the barrel, and devise a rudimentary firing assembly.

All after I'm convinced of the legalities in building such a device.