I have been reading posts for those of you reloading the 470 NE using RL 15 and some sort of compressible filler. Kynoch was listed as a source...but I can't get to their site. What, exactly, are you folks using to load the RL 15 to duplicate the Federal factory load? Please be specific as I'm a little slow these days. Thanks!

Gary B.

Butch Searcy uses 3/8" thick styrofoam (from Michael's) over the powder. There's been lots of discussion about whether it is harmful to the barrels. I don't think he'd use and recommend it if it was bad!

Use Dacron fiber fill. Add just enough dacron to fill the case up to the mouth with mild compression ( use a pencil). Make ABSOLUTELY SURE that the dacron compresses when the bullet is seated. ALLOW NO air space! I've been using this in the .470NE for 15 years now.If you allow any air space you run the risk of ringing the chamber. I've used this technique in literally 50 different calibers and have never had a problem. Others have ruined fine doubles with other fillers. -Rob

I use shot shell buffer. It is cheap and can be dumped with a powder measure.

I use Dacron Poly Filler. You get it at any fabric shop or Walmart. Pillow filling



I use it in my 450/400 3 inch, and reloading for my friend in his 475#2 Jeffery.



Here is a link to an article on NitroExpress.com. The article written by Ross Seyfried detail the use of RL-15 and the filler.



The wonderful thing about the filler is that it holds the RL-15, which is position sensitive, against the primer in the large Nitro Express cases. You will get the most uniform velocities you have ever gotten using this method.



Reloading the Nitro Express

Galazan's carries the Kynoch wads. Give them a call: http://www.gunshop.com/galazan.htm

I have had no trouble with the .470 NE and Re15 using Kynoch fillers, but lots of people like Rob above get great results with Dacron as a filler.

in my 700 nitro i use a hard pick styrofoam wad 1.5" thick that fills the case right up to the rim when seated on top of the powder and when i seat the bullet the wad and the powder become compressed and i get the best most uniform velositys one could ever ask for

i use 160 grains of reloader 15 by the way with a 1000 grain fmj and they are clocked at 2010-2025

Has anyone tried Accurate Arms XMP-5744 in these big cases? It's becoming the powder of choice for reduced loads in other big cases (Rigby, Lott, etc.), doesn't require any filler.

How about Puff-Lon? It is supposed to be made for this application. I will probably try to get some for some cast bullet loads . Has anyone used Puff-Lon? Is it just the same as dacron?

Kynoch fillers have to come from over seas, direct from Kynoch, the local outfit does not handle them...I would put together an order of these wads if everyone would place an order so that we could buy in bulk....I will send anyone that wants the address if they will email me...

I actuall like the dacron poly fillers that you get at the sewing center, used for pillow stuffing.. 4 or 5 grs. works well in a 470 with RL-15...weigh it on the scale and stuff it in with a no. 2 pencil that has not been sharpened.....

Rob ..... please explain ringing the chamber; what do you look for in searching for a used double to ensure that the chamber hasn't already been ringed ? What are the results to the gun if the chamber is ringed ? Thanks for answering my elementary questions.

Ray,

An even better bet would be for everyone to post what calibers they need in foam fillers, and in a week or so, whoever's in charge can call or email Kynamco with the full order, and then they can bring it over with them when they come to the SCI convention in Reno for pickup. I often do this rather than hope they have something special left in stock at the booth. So everyone should check Kynamco for their wants, jags, rods, leather, brass, etc. and get their order together.

~Arctic~

Thanks to everyone for their insight. Rusty, great article, thanks for posting it. I think I'm off to Walmart (always one of those close by) for some pillow stuffing. Ray, I'd be real interested in getting some fillers from Kynoch...I'll PM you from the office today. I'd like to compare results using both methods. Man, messing with these big bores is different from the run of the mill 30/06 based stuff....but a lot of fun!

Gary B.

I have used 3 different fillers, with three different powders in my 450 No2.
I started out using poly pillow stuffing.
Then I tried foam plugs that I cut oout with a 50 BMG case that I sharpen with a chamfer tool. I have used 2 different types of foam, one a firm black foam, and the other a grey less firm foam. There has been no difference with grouping/regulation between the 3 fillers. I have used each filler with each powder.
I much prefer the foam as it is easier, and faster to use, and I can cut them out ahead of time.
The only thing you MUST DO is be sure the filler is compressed between the bullet and the powder. "To much" compression is better than not enough. If after your loads have been handles and carried for a while you can hear the powder in the case when you shake a loaded round you need more filler/compression.
With full power loads I used 5 grains of poly, with Nitro for Black loads I used 15 grains poly.

Very good info! I have a few 600 rounds loaded up with 1040 casts using foam I punched out with a punch kit. I will also try some pillow stuffing. I used one piece of foam but think maybe 2 will be better. But will know more after i chrono the first loads maybe more powder will be needed.
Thanks again for all the great info.
Dean

Gentlemen

Caution
Before reloading with any of the fiber fillers you may want to check who made it and what the filler is. I have tried to buy Dupont Dacron for the last 6 months. Dupont has sold this part of its company to Investa? or something like that.It is not the same. Retail stores are selling fiberfill from other makers and calling it Dacron. Not only are the stores doing this but the internet sights. They are using Dacron as a generic name. When explained what it is going to be used for and the danger involved they will come clean real quick. The new fillers when subjected to heat will either turn into a ball of sticky gum or flash burn.
If it is not Dacron made by Dupont I would not use it.
I just received an order from Kynoch for wads and 4 cans of their oil. Air shipping was only $12.71 U.S. for everything.
This is nothing compared to your life or the destruction of your firearm.

James

the ringing of chambers is caused by people that refuse to use enough filler...I use 5 grs. of Dacron in a .470 and with RL-15, good and snug....It comes out in a cylinder when shot and could actuall be reloaded in another case..

I have enough dacron to last several lifetimes I suspect. It comes in pillow size plastic bags...to test it simply strike a match to it and see what happens.

My filler is not consumed when I fire the rifle. Rather it is spat our the bore. It appears to be in good enough condition to reload.

I believe that the ringed chamber was in an article concerning filler and black powder rifles? Since the search function is down I can not find the thread that this was discussed in at length.

The use of filler with RL-15 is not smoke and mirrors guys.
As Ross stated in his article, velocities a very consistant and the pressure curve you get with the RL-15 comes close to Cordite.

Now I know that, in the newer doubles this is of little concern. However in turn of the century double as is my A. Hollis, I feel that the RL-15 adds a margin of safety to my rifle.