I did a quick test at 100m the other day with factory Eley Standard and a hollow pointed version of it sized to 0.2250. Groups are 10rds each shot from a custom Semi. Can't really draw too much conclusion from a 20rds, but the HP certainly isn't making it worse.
I also made another HP stem with a tip flair built in. This is a reasonably fine and deep HP but seems to work well with the tip flair. I shot half a dozen rabbits with these a few weeks ago and they seem to do the business, the exit wounds on body shots were significant. I headshot one poor fella point blank (probably 500mm from the muzzle, it was sitting in it's hole as I came through a gate) and I was sprayed with rabbit bits which I was not happy about.
I like this stem as it does a minimal amount of work to the projectile, but still produces good expansion.
I have been playing around with the truncated cone punches a bit and don't think it's going to work for this type die as it pushes the projectile down into the case too much. It may be possible using a die that clamps the projectile between 2 pieces from either side (think like a bullet mold) rather than pressing down on it, but that is outside the scope of this project for now.
I have 10 confirmed orders from you lot, so thanks very much. I have purchased material and have enough for another 1 or 2 dies, so if you have not already signed up and want in, let me know.
I have a few weeks off work over Christmas and will making a start on these, I will be looking to get details on what punches and sizing collars everybody wants soon.
Bookmarks