Copper tape for patching bullets.

[markH]

I've been having a problem with my Sharps carbine (Pedersoli). Group size was abysmal and a lot of the bullets were keyholing, even at 25 yards. I tried different reloads with 2 cast bullets and even bought some jacketed bullets.

Always meant to slug the barrel but never got round to it until a week or so ago. I found that the barrel was about 4 thou oversize.

I saw some self adhesive copper "Slug tape" on (It's actually for garden slugs, apparently they won't crawl over it). I thought it was worth a try.

My first thought was that it would probably get dragged off when I seated the bullet, but I put a bit more flare on the case mouth and, lo and behold it worked. A couple of rounds showed slight traces of the copper tape having come off but the majority were perfect.

It was grouping into about 3 inches which was a massive improvement and only 1 showed signs of tumbling. I have 2 further avenues to investigate.

1). The cases were not all the same length so trimming will give me a more consistant flare. I think the ones with less flare were perhaps dragging the tape off

2). I am also wondering how accurate the mould is. It's a 5 cavity and I wonder if one casts a slightly smaller bullet.

A major improvement would come from replacing the sights, which are truly awful. I'll have to look into that.

[mag44uk]

What caliber? What mould? You could try paper patching.

[markH]

Mould is a 5 cavity from "Arsenal molds" who I would guess are USA based.

Caliber is 45/70 govt.

I just went out and checked some of the cast bullets and I was surprised at the inconsistency. 6/7 thou difference and they weren't even round. The first test was done with unsized bullets as it seemed appropriate with an oversize barrel.. Obviously not as the consistency is not there to start with.

So this weeks project is to repeat the experiment with sized bullets. It might mean 2 wraps with the copper tape but I'll do 10 with one wrap and 10 with 2.

I've never tried paper patching, I assume the paper is glued in place?

[andrew375]

You need to visit the https://castboolits.gunloads.com/forum.php ,there's plenty of information there that will help. You should read up on paper pitching..

[mickwin]

I don't know about your Uberti but my .45-120 Pedersoli Sharps has micro groove rifling, so I would not want lead or copper in the grooves, accuracy go's to pot then almost a smooth bore. I had a mould made to my spec's in the states, was expensive. It gives me a .444 bullet at 545grn. This bullet will slide down the barrel without any pressure, I then paper patch them to 2 thou oversize so only the paper engages the rifling. No you don't glue the paper just wet it, roll it on and wait for them to dry. The patching material should leave the bullet as it leaves the barrel - anything left on the bullet will make the inherently unstable with bad groups.
I also use a 20 - 1 lead/tin mix. You can find some very good video's on the tube on paper patching, it is fairly easy to do. I think I bought the paper from Reloading.org. uk.
Hope this helps a bit bud,
Mick.

[markH]

My "Uberti" is in fact a Pedersoli but according to their website they have "Deep Rifling". I've edited my original post.

Thanks for the info on paper patching. I'll give it a try if the copper doesn't work out.

Mine is the cavalry carbine so I'm not expecting tack driving accuracy and the copper tape has stopped the tumbling completely. The worst problem now is the sights are absolutely terrible.