Slugging a barrel

28 May 2016, 07:24

#1 of 13

Slugging a barrel

I just recently purchased a 450-400 NE 3 1/4" double and would like to start reloading for it. My first question among many to come later it "what size lead ball should I use and where could I obtain one?" I believe the diameter is anywhere from .408--.411

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28 May 2016, 07:59

cal pappas

Go to the nearest gun shop and see what they have for lead ball sizes. You can also try a .41 caliber pistol bullet and push this through the bore. Lastly, get some cerosafe and do a chamber and bore cast.
Cal

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28 May 2016, 08:02

dpcd

Use a .45 cal lead ball; whack it into the muzzle with a plastic hammer. Push it out and measure it; if it has an odd number of grooves, you need a fixture for that.

28 May 2016, 08:56

#1 of 13

Jam it all the way through or in far enough to engage all the rifling and then use a wood dowl to knock it back out the end?

Thanks

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Zimbabwe 2019

29 May 2016, 05:46

Omnivorous_Bob

#1, I've got tons of cerrosafe you're welcome to borrow, and alternatively a ton of very soft cast lead .410" bullets. Smack one with a hammer to bump it up, then tap through with a brass rod.

PM me if you're interested. I'm in Eagle River.

Bob

DRSS

"If we're not supposed to eat animals, why are they made out of meat?"

"PS. To add a bit of Pappasonian philosophy: this single barrel stuff is just a passing fad. Bolt actions and single shots will fade away as did disco, the hula hoop, and bell-bottomed pants. Doubles will rule the world!"

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Zimbabwe 2019

29 May 2016, 07:32

Dutch44

I always oil the bore before I slug it. Hopefully it has even lands and groves and not an odd number. Measuring an odd number requires a special tool and/or mathematical computation or both.

29 May 2016, 07:38

dpcd

Use a ball larger than .410 and smack it into the muzzle; I do usually oil the bore a little, but not sure that is necessary. Either push it back out, or push it through the barrel; that will tell you if you have loose spots but is not necessary. A lead .45 pistol bullet will work fine too.

29 May 2016, 12:13

#1 of 13

Thank you everyone for your suggestions I think I have enough information now to get into trouble with the wife.