Wanting to start

[Rustyinfla]

  I have had my eye on starting to paper patch bullets for some time. I'm wondering if there is a "best" caliber or rifle to start with?

 I know they did a lot with them in the old buffalo guns but modern stuff has potential too. Is .45-70 most popular because the larger size of the bullets makes them easier to work with?

[Castaway]

I don't know if there is a "best" caliber to patch, but I lean toward the big bores.  When used for hunting, small caliber lead bullets tend to kill differently than their jacketed counterparts.  Because of the velocity, the bullets are generally hard and break, sending fragmentation and small pieces outward from the wound channel.  By patching, you can drive a heavy, soft bullet that expands and has enough mass to give deep penetration.  405 grains penetrate better than 170 grains, especially if flattened out.  Besides, it's much easier for me to handle a 45 caliber bullet than a 30 caliber one, although both will work when cast of soft lead and patched.

[Rustyinfla]

  Thanks, I hadn't thought about the mass of the bullet as well. I see what you mean though.

[Reverend Recoil]

Any caliber bullet can be paper patched.  Personally, I would not have the patience to roll 22 caliber bullets, but it can be done.  Most being paper patched successfully are 30 caliber and larger.  There is a group on the Cast Boolets forum that have done well with 30, 8mm, and 303 caliber.

[armorer77]

I like this topic , thought about paper patching a yew years ago , couldn't find a mold . Now I can cut a mold , gonna try a 45-70 , any suggestions on diameter and wrapping ? Thanks . Armorer77

[goofyoldfart]

Don't have to get a mold, just use an existing one. patch to about 1-2 thousands over the Groove dia. as long as that will fit in the throat. many on the cast bullets site use their existing lubed molds to patch with good results.  'iffen all works out, you can then go to a special cut mold for PP'ing (boy, that sounds dirty ).   God Bless.

[JBMauser]

If you are going to cut a mould, the rule as I know it is that a proper cast pill should just ride the lands which just etches the pill.  the paper choices depends on the depth of the groove. If you are shooting a pill that is full sized you are working with the thinnest of papers or even Teflon tape.  Paper choices can depend on your rifling.  the desired result is that the paper is cut by the rifling and it falls free a few yards down range or it is uncut and stays tightly attached till it reaches home.  either of these situations can yield accurate results. Matthews book on PP "the Paper Jacket"  on amazon.  has valuable info.  Best of luck.  JB

[redneckdan]

.45-70 is a good caliber to start with because you can use a .451 or 452 die to size down commonly available .458 bullets and then patch up to groove diameter with paper.  Most other calibers would require a custom sizing die or mold to get a usable projectile.  I started with a .45-70 buffalo classic.  Now I mostly patch for my .375 H&H and a little for a my #3 in .45-70

[pdawg.shooter]

I don't know if there is a "best" caliber to patch, but I lean toward the big bores.  When used for hunting, small caliber lead bullets tend to kill differently than their jacketed counterparts.  Because of the velocity, the bullets are generally hard and break, sending fragmentation and small pieces outward from the wound channel.  By patching, you can drive a heavy, soft bullet that expands and has enough mass to give deep penetration.  405 grains penetrate better than 170 grains, especially if flattened out.  Besides, it's much easier for me to handle a 45 caliber bullet than a 30 caliber one, although both will work when cast of soft lead and patched.

Paper patched bullets work great for hunting because you can use a soft alloy. Pure lead will work to around 2200fps and I have taken a 16/16.5 BHN alloy over 3000fps with MOA accuracy. Match your alloy to the velocity and lead makes a great hunting bullet.

[goofyoldfart]

Pdawg: Gotta agree with you there. Years ago (ok, decades ) I was driving 30-06 I65gr. lead wrapped boolits at 2700 fps. chronyed. they really penetrated what they hit. Like a fool, I went on to the " SuperShootinLoudenBoomen"  Burned out a few barrels and the bruises did fade after a while .  Now in old age I like slow movin' ( 1200-1700 fps) heavy for calibre.  So, it sounds like patching is for me. go for accuracy and it'll do the rest.

God Bless to all.                                 Goofyoldfart  aka GOF