has anyone paper patched 257 bullets in 6.5 barrels? seems like it would work and you would be firing our perfect bullets not deformed by the barrel.

????????

In low-pressure, low-velocity black powder cartridges, sure, that's a viable option and something that's been done many, many times.

But with the energy of smokeless powders in a modern, high-intensity round, you'd more than likely have a paperless bullet rattling down the bore and would be lucky to have ample accuracy to hit the proberbial barn at 50 feet.

Depending on the projectile, the bullet could slug out enough to engage the rifling as there's only a .257 to .263/.264 gap between the bullets anyway. But I still doubt you'd enjoy optimum accuracy.

But that's just my opinion.

I would be curious as to why you'd want to do this when there are tons are wonderful 6.5 bullets available. WHy don'y you want the rifling engraved onto the bullet???

hmmmm...just curious if paper patching would work and what the benefits might be.

would an unrifled projectile fly truer than a rifled one??? does the rifling aid in bullet stability?

I once ended up in Arizona with my 6.5/06 and NO ammo thanks to Delta Airlines. This was in 1977 when noone shot that calibre. I looked for dies, help anything and nothing was there. No help from home [Hawaii] so I tried a box of 25/06. Found I could hit a coffee can at 100 yd 100% of the time. I won`t go into the meat damage!!!!
Aloha, Mark
P.S. I learned my lesson! ALWAYS take or , better yet, send some extra ahead.

boom stick wrote:

quote:

does the rifling aid in bullet stability?

It is paramount to bullet stability in anything other than up-close-and-personal (i.e. point blank) range.

You can get pretty decent accuracy with saboted bullets such as the Remington Accelerator loads or those used in both shotgun and muzzleloaders, but don't expect them to shoot like a bench rifle, either.

the rifling is there to twist the bullet but i meant does the rifling engraving on the bullet add to the stability and continued twisting of the bullet...sorry for the confusion.

The rifling marks on the bullet do nothing as far as in-flight stability. The outer surface area of the bullet may be minimized slightly, but it wouldn't be of significance to affect the overall BC of the projectile.

One thing to keep in mind: with a paper-patched or saboted bullet, you don't always get the perfect seal of gases behind the bullet upon exit from the muzzle. That's key to accuracy as well.

As with a misaligned or damaged crown, if there's any sort of interference or disturbance at this critical juncture of bullet flight, the results will be notable on the target range.

Boomstick, I understood what you meant, valid question, though I don't see any practicality personally. I have wondered if a bullet such as SABOT's in black powder guns or even the accelerator's of yesteryear in 30/30, 30/06, and perhaps 308 stabilized the bullet as well, or rather left some to be desired with increased yaw.

If a bullet is yawing too much and never settles, in my mind, it may be inconsistent on impact causing varying results. Could straight line penetration be affected? Not to mention accuracy to target.

I do think fast twist rifles i.e. 8" 6.5 bores all else equal have more chance for straight line penetration keeping nose forward more often than a marginal/minimal twist for a given weight/caliber. That is disregarding the expected increased centrifugal force that the higher rpm will have on the bullet, increasing surface area, thereby slowing penetration more, albeit increasing damage in it's path.

Lots of questions to be pondered but seeing certain combo's track record over time gives strong confidence of evidence as to field results to be expected.

I have heard mixed results of those light weight pistol bullets/sabots in black powder and wonder how the lack of rifling grip may or may not influence lethality. As always, when one loses an animal, nothing can be for certain as everything is speculation.

I am sure Benchrest shooters and bullet makers have tried many things to experiment and perfect accuracy.

Your question might best be answered by paper patch users i.e. Mike Venturio, and the like. Those shooting http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1278/809995741_3806bd3f82.jpg?v=0

or call a bullet mfg like Sierra or Nosler for more info. I agree with BT, you want to maximize the consistency of 'release from bore' as best possible for best accuracy.

I still am boggled thinking about my 6BR shooting under a half inch group at 330yds. I would hate to try better with anything, gun or bullet. I know I cannot consistently hold that good, or better-group after group.