Designing the 2-diameter paper patch bullet.

[J.B.]

On dual diameter bullets, I finally got to try my 50 x 2 1/2" Shiloh with a dual diameter mould that I had Tom at Accurate make up for me. Catalogue ref. # 50-655D, its actually casting at close to 635 grns in 16/1. Patched with S/C 55, yellow or white, it certainly delivered the goods at our last gong match. The match we call our 'mini Quigley' with similar targets and distances. We can't duplicate the Forsyth winds though but its still fun to shoot. My Starline brass varies a fair bit in length and it may well be time to look at annealing as I ended up with about three paper rings over the course of nearly 70 rounds. The bullets themselves performed very well as long as I refrained from 'jumping' on the trigger. No leading, respectable grouping etc. I did find there was a lot of carbon/fouling buildup ahead for about 4" or so forward of the chamber at the end of each detail. I had been running two damp and one dry and think perhaps the 50 ..with igniting 115 grns of Swiss 1.5, may need a third damp...or even a 'more damp' patch to do the job. Came up spotless with two moist wipes though. The 50's can be amazingly impressive and rewarding to shoot but they do require some serious concentration . Now...do I take it to my next shoot...or revisit the 44. Tough decisions.
J.B.