Looking at constructing a bullet testing contraption.
How many inches of paper should I start with.

Most likely will use old phone books and newspaper.
Do these need to be clamped in some sort of way.

I know they need to be wet and shot from the front or back not edge on.

Looking to mainly test shotgun slugs, but while I am at it will fire a few rifle bullets into it. Hopefuuly will have some of the new Nosler A-Bonds by then.
Also, if anyone has any suggestions on which slugs to use.

Thanks,

Wayne

[ 01-02-2003, 01:53: Message edited by: Montana ]

Wayne,

First, let me tell you I am not bullet testing expert. I have however attempted to informally test rifle bullets, handgun bullets, shotgun slugs, and shotgun buckshot. The majority of these "tests" were done in wet and dry telephone books and newspaper. I was never satisfied with the outcome. Too many discrepancies in the testing medium not to mention a big mess of paper.

George Hoffman has the best testing procedure I am aware of for the informal gun nut wanting to know more about his bullet performance. George's procedure is a 4 foot long box 12 inches wide and 3/4 inch plywood cut into 12x12 inch squares and placed back to back. The boards are replaced as they get shot up. This procedure allows the most consistent testing.

B

I had not thought of that. I can get all the chip board I want and other materials for free and doesn't sound like it would be to big a mess.

My favorite method is shooting through milk jugs filled with water. I haven't tested shotgun slugs this way, but I have been surprised on more than one occasion on the results I have seen with rifle bullets.

Hi Wayne

I have never shot slugs into paper. But I have shoot alot of pistol and rifle. (I am a geek )

The rifles will stop in usually 25" of paper while expanding pistols bullet stop in usually 20". I have had cast bullets go through 30" of wet paper and into the dry paper behing 4".

I stack the wet paper in a cardboard box. If I didn't get on big enough I used two. I always put a box of dry paper behind to stop strays.

This is going to be a fun but messy project. When you shoot into them try to imagine how to get the most shots out of the paper. The paper will get holes in the front. Then you can switch this paper to the back.

I do most of my shooting from 35 yard to get the most precision to hit the paper. The bullet also get alot of stress at this distance also.

Post any other questions if needed.

Have Fun

Hcliff

Brenneke original slugs are probably the best. They are accurate and powerful, and the wadcutter shaped nose does more damage than round nose types.

With a post front sight and ghost ring rear, most cylinder shotguns can make cloverleafs with them at 50 yards, and still excellent accuracy at 100. Most shotgun sighting arrangements are not up to the accuracy of the Brenneke slug.

They can be hard to find, but are worth the trouble. When I find them, I buy a case or more to stock up.