Designing the 2-diameter paper patch bullet.

[Don McDowell]

DT, I chose that 1.35 length as a comprise between the 360 gr .400 diameter bullet that has been shooting well in all wind conditions and the .396 415M bullet from BACO that does well with the extra horsepower of the 40-90 in twitchy conditions but not so well in the 40-70. The money bullet also has shot some really good groups in the 40-65, albeit was not tested in less than ideal conditions. All of our 40's have a 16 twist, so I'm thinking/hoping this new bullet works in all 3 of them. I also think that bullet should knock the stuffing out of the rams.
The nose on that is his original postel nose and I like it a lot, I've had him make a few other bullets with that nose and it holds well to 1000.
That depth was determined as it was seated out as far as I could get it to chamber without using a camming tool. I've had pretty good results from deeper seating, after close examination of a pulled bullet from and original Sharps 44-77 creedmoor round. That bullet shows a definite line on the bullet where the case mouth was, a full 1/2 inch above the base, and below the paper line. I don't use anything other than case neck tension to hold a bullet in the case.
The first loads in the 40-70 were loaded with 68 grains of OE 1.5, but the next batch is loaded with 69 grains. 69 grains is where both the 360 and 415 bullets showed preference, so I probably should of just went there to start with and maybe load testing would of been done sooner. I also use a wad punched from NAPA rubber cork gasket material and a 1/8 inch felt wad under the bullet.
We're under red flag warnings here and things are drying out fast, so I'm a bit hesitant to do any blackpowder shooting on my range. There may be some moisture a couple days from now so maybe get out some morning with a good dew and let them fly. I was happy to see the first test at 68 grains and 200 meters all bullet holes were nice and round.
Wish schedules were a bit different I would be sorely tempted to make the trip back to Lodi this fall, hopefully it works out to make the return trip next spring.