Ok most of you know I like foam backer rod if I'm going to use a filler in my big cases. Well today I was loading up some 500 NE for my upcoming Austraila trip and didn't feel like cutting a bunch of wads. I was loading CEB BBW#13s and low and behold there in the box of bullets was Dan's foam packing spacer that is cut so as to have a bunch of 1/2 squares almost cut through. I pulled these apart and it made perfect wads very similar to the Kynoch wads. Thought if any of you were loading CEBs you might want to know this. I've thrown a bunch of these sheets away but will save them from now on.

Sam

Sam thanks for the tip, are the cuts made to match the caliber size that they are packed with?

In your experience how much space do you allow between the bullet and the powder before you use the filler?

I am using RL-15 under 325 g bullets in the 9.3x74, do have a space of about 1/4" to 1/8". Do you think I need filler?

Best regards

Malek
Good hunting/shooting and God's best

Malek,

I think all the packing foam sheets are cut in 1/2 inch squares. This is soft foam like the Kynoch wads so it will be good for any caliber 50 and under. I use a filler if there is any airspace in the case. I like some compression to the powder. One note to remember when a load is loose verses tight you will have more pressure with the tight load. Just means the powder is burning better. I want all my powder to burn in a case if possible. This gives you more consistant loads.

Sam

Thanks Sam, well I am going to use the foam backer rod as a filler the next time and when I get my new order of bullets from Michael I will use the foam that in the box. Incidentally is your offer still standing?

Where do you get your foam backer rod and what kind do you use? I read a while back some were on this site I believe, that you can find them at home depot but I am not sure.

Best regards

Malek
Good hunting/shooting and God's best

Malek,

My mine is gone What offer? Yes but remind me of what it was. I get backer rod from Lowes, Ace or Home Depot. Most any hardware store should have it.

Sam

quote:

Originally posted by srose:
I get backer rod from Lowes, Ace or Home Depot. Most any hardware store should have it.

Sam

What is backer rod? Is it a foam rod of some sort for insulating something? Or is it some sort of foam sheet? Do you have a link to one? Or a picture.

Once I get moved and into a house, I hope to start reloading again.

Foam backer rod is a cord made from closed cell foam used to fill cracks in concrete mostly. Also used to fill any small crack around windows and doors, many uses. It comes in 20 ft lengths in several diameters. Costs about $5 per bag.

Thanks Sam!