Turned Bullet Material

[challenger_i]

What material is used for turning solid bullets? Where can I get it?

With the scarcity of .329 bullets, for the 8mm x 56R, and access to a CNC machine, I think I'd like to give Solids a try.

 

[redneckdan]

I've seen copper, brass and bronze. Honestly, it will be cheaper in the long run to cast boolits. As far as materials, machine time and energy costs yer talking upwards of a buck per bullet. You could also paper patch .323 bullets to .329-.330 diameter.

 

[MMCSRET]

Graf & Sons advertises that they have new .329/.330 bullets in stock at what I think is a good price. They are listed as being specifically for your 8 X 56R, take a look at their website, they are good people to deal with.

 

[challenger_i]

I can't push cast bullets to optimum velocities. As for expense, other than the cost of the metal, its a wash, as, like casting, it would be my labor.

Each time I call Graf's, they are zero balance.

 

[jeepmor]

I'd suspect you just need to buy some copper rod a bit more in diameter than you need and run with it. If it's a fancy self feeding CNC, your golden. The accuracy and repeatability of the CNC bullets will beat out hand machining easily.

 

[challenger_i]

Straight copper? Or a copper/tin allow?

Yep, she's a self-feed machine. My bud turns out missle parts on it, so it is dead-nuts accurate.
One thing about using a CNC: we can play with the contour, and the belt width, and diddle with the ballistices. Also, we can fine-tune the diameter, to the groove diameter.

 

[MMCSRET]

Just checked Graf; they have bullets in stock, FMJ and Soft point for your 8X56R.
Pure copper is too soft, remember the first generation Barnes all copper from a few years back. What you want is gilding metal or cupro-nickel as used in a lot of European bullets.