burbank.jung
Active Member
Can I use Cotton rather than Dacron to fill my case?
Dacron vs cotton
- Thread starter burbank.jung
- Start date
richhodg66
Well-Known Member
I think you could, but I'm guessing it won't burn up completely like Dacron. I have heard some use dryer lint? Might be worth a try.
JBinMN
Member
Burbank.jung,
I have a few rounds I have made up in a couple different calibers where I have used dacron (<pillow stuffing type stuff) using the recommendations that mostly came from Larry Gibson; about how to use the dacron "filler" in a way to keep powder "in position" while not using as a "wad" to prevent a possibility of having an"air pocket" between the powder & the base of the bullet and cause issues, while at the same time keeping the powder used in a position near to the primer regardless of the position of the firearm.
The dacron suggested seems to be less of an issue in regard to keeping the powder positioned and less of a hazard rather than using cotton, lint, or similar type of a component as the dacron will usually burn up/melt out after leaving the muzzle without a residue.
The likelihood of having any "moisture" would be lessened by the use of something that is not possibly "hygroscopic" (<sp?), thus including any moisture either at the time of loading or even late on, is also a "plus"..
If you do a bit of Search Engine use, you will find that there is quite a bit of info on using fillers for powder positioning using fillers, other than just here at this forum.
If you find that you do not get the answer(s) you seek right here in this forum ( although I would bet you can/will),
it would be worth your time to explore those opportunities in more than one place as some of the folks have been around a while & have been at more than one place with a LOT of info about your interests. .
G'Luck~!
I have a few rounds I have made up in a couple different calibers where I have used dacron (<pillow stuffing type stuff) using the recommendations that mostly came from Larry Gibson; about how to use the dacron "filler" in a way to keep powder "in position" while not using as a "wad" to prevent a possibility of having an"air pocket" between the powder & the base of the bullet and cause issues, while at the same time keeping the powder used in a position near to the primer regardless of the position of the firearm.
The dacron suggested seems to be less of an issue in regard to keeping the powder positioned and less of a hazard rather than using cotton, lint, or similar type of a component as the dacron will usually burn up/melt out after leaving the muzzle without a residue.
The likelihood of having any "moisture" would be lessened by the use of something that is not possibly "hygroscopic" (<sp?), thus including any moisture either at the time of loading or even late on, is also a "plus"..
If you do a bit of Search Engine use, you will find that there is quite a bit of info on using fillers for powder positioning using fillers, other than just here at this forum.
If you find that you do not get the answer(s) you seek right here in this forum ( although I would bet you can/will),
it would be worth your time to explore those opportunities in more than one place as some of the folks have been around a while & have been at more than one place with a LOT of info about your interests. .
G'Luck~!
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richhodg66
Well-Known Member
Dacron pillow filler is so cheap and easily available, I never considered anything else. I bought a big bag of it from a fabric store like 20 years ago and still have most of it left.
burbank.jung
Active Member
I was checking out the stuff animals at the Dollar Store today. I couldn't tell if it was Dacron or foam so I skipped them. Maybe I'll find an old pillow.
BBerguson
Official Pennsyltuckian
I think he’s asking what the correct stuff is from others that have experience with it…
Burbank, I’ve used Dacron quite a bit in testing with cast rifle rounds and small pistol primers In the 350 Legend, 450 Bushmaster and 308 brass with small primer pockets. It’s effective in more consistent powder ignition but I haven’t tested it enough “with” and “without” to say one is more accurate or has lower SD. I’m just loading and shooting for my own enjoyment. I probably have some notes on it but my notes system is well, less than organized.
I have an old pillow that is probably a life time supply for me.
I tried cream of wheat for a filler before and will never again.
Burbank, I’ve used Dacron quite a bit in testing with cast rifle rounds and small pistol primers In the 350 Legend, 450 Bushmaster and 308 brass with small primer pockets. It’s effective in more consistent powder ignition but I haven’t tested it enough “with” and “without” to say one is more accurate or has lower SD. I’m just loading and shooting for my own enjoyment. I probably have some notes on it but my notes system is well, less than organized.
I have an old pillow that is probably a life time supply for me.
I tried cream of wheat for a filler before and will never again.
RicinYakima
High Steppes of Eastern Washington
Tried cotton puff balls, but they were burning when they left the barrel. Afraid to use them here in the desert.
Go buy some kapok
it burns complete ,smells a lot healthier
dacron will leave a plastic residue and sometimes some black gritty soot.
I’d rather not be sucking in plastic fumes when shooting.
Does work thou if you can find a good source that fluffs nicely.
not all matting is the same.
it burns complete ,smells a lot healthier
dacron will leave a plastic residue and sometimes some black gritty soot.
I’d rather not be sucking in plastic fumes when shooting.
Does work thou if you can find a good source that fluffs nicely.
not all matting is the same.
richhodg66
Well-Known Member
I've never had any plastic residue that I could discern and also could never smell any fumes that smelled any different from other cast loads. That said, there is most definitely smoke and fumes from burnt bullet lube, I wonder if that might be harmful to one's health? Probably not a big deal unless you shoot a lot on indoor ranges.
L Ross
Well-Known Member
Having owned a High Wall with a badly ringed chamber and having read about Ruger #1 .45-70s returned to Ruger for warrant work with ringed chambers. (Out Post help me out here please?) I avoid fillers. Yup an old HighWall is about as soft as aged Cheddar but a #1?
When I was working up a hunting load for an 03 Springfield shooting the 311284 over surplus 4831 I tried Dacron vs unfilled and while I could get the same velocity with a couple of grains less powder once it stopped sooting the case necks, the accuracy was inferior and I went with 51.0 grains unfilled for 1,900 fps, a decent 100 yards group under 2" and a dead deer.
When I was working up a hunting load for an 03 Springfield shooting the 311284 over surplus 4831 I tried Dacron vs unfilled and while I could get the same velocity with a couple of grains less powder once it stopped sooting the case necks, the accuracy was inferior and I went with 51.0 grains unfilled for 1,900 fps, a decent 100 yards group under 2" and a dead deer.
todd
Well-Known Member
i bought 1/2 or 3/4" Dacron batting sheets from JoAnne Fabrics. i have enuff to last 7 lifetimes.
Larry Gibson is the foremost individual on how to fill your cases.
to the mods, i'm sorry for putting CB in the forum. it is alright if you scratch this out...but...
https://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?109280-The-proper-use-of-fillers
i never had any smell from Dacron. i put in a little to much Dacron and all it does after you shoot it, it makes very little balls of melted Dacron came out your barrel. say if the Dacon is .5 grain, all you need to do is put it in a less, say .4 grain.
Larry Gibson is the foremost individual on how to fill your cases.
to the mods, i'm sorry for putting CB in the forum. it is alright if you scratch this out...but...
https://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?109280-The-proper-use-of-fillers
i never had any smell from Dacron. i put in a little to much Dacron and all it does after you shoot it, it makes very little balls of melted Dacron came out your barrel. say if the Dacon is .5 grain, all you need to do is put it in a less, say .4 grain.
CZ93X62
Official forum enigma
I have a rebored flatband Win 94 now in 38/55 that started life in 25/35. I ringed its chamber while in 25/35 via use of Dacron fillers.
No mas, por favor.
I use a lot of Alliant 2400 in various rifle calibers like 243, 30-06, etc. These charges tale up about 1/3 of the powder space. I just raise the muzzle to settle the powder before each shot, 25*-30* rise is sufficient. Full cases of slow-for application fuels is another way to skin this cat--one of my favorite 30-06 loads uses 60.0 grains of milsurp WC-860 under a Lee 200 grain GC bore-rider to attain about 2000 FPS and darn good accuracy. It has a cool boomy report that is fun to crank off, too. Pressures seem docile. Fed #215 primers start the music.
No mas, por favor.
I use a lot of Alliant 2400 in various rifle calibers like 243, 30-06, etc. These charges tale up about 1/3 of the powder space. I just raise the muzzle to settle the powder before each shot, 25*-30* rise is sufficient. Full cases of slow-for application fuels is another way to skin this cat--one of my favorite 30-06 loads uses 60.0 grains of milsurp WC-860 under a Lee 200 grain GC bore-rider to attain about 2000 FPS and darn good accuracy. It has a cool boomy report that is fun to crank off, too. Pressures seem docile. Fed #215 primers start the music.
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Cadillac Jeff
Well-Known Member
I am also a no , just won't do it
I'm in the "just say no" camp.
Maybe superstitious or overly cautious, or maybe just LAZY and don't want to add the extra step/complexity.
I strive for simplifying loads as much as possible and reducing my dependence on extra materials. I don't compete and my accuracy standard is more like hitting a squirrel's head at fifty yards than being a serious contender for a match, so my take may not be worthy of consideration.
Maybe superstitious or overly cautious, or maybe just LAZY and don't want to add the extra step/complexity.
I strive for simplifying loads as much as possible and reducing my dependence on extra materials. I don't compete and my accuracy standard is more like hitting a squirrel's head at fifty yards than being a serious contender for a match, so my take may not be worthy of consideration.
todd
Well-Known Member
i have done an "experiment" with loading 2400 with Dacron and raising the muzzle to settle the powder. in my 444 Marlin it was with Dacron about 1/2 - 3/4" at 100 yards (300gr FN GC/24.0gr of 2400) and with raising the muzzle was 1 1/4 - 1 3/4" at 100 yards (300gr FN GC). i also did a 200gr RCBS FN GC/20.0gr of 2400 in a 35/30-30. with Dacron goes 3/4 - 1" at 100 yards, raising the muzzle goes 3/4 - 1 1/4" at 100 yards.
i never did the velocity between with Dacron and without.
with Dacron
300 gr FN GC goes 1624fps - 444 Marlin
200 gr RBCS FN GC goes 1726fps - 35/30-30
my "experiment" was for accuracy, but dang!!! the boolits sure do kill deer!!!!
CZ93X62
Official forum enigma
I can't deny that the filler tightens groups--no argument there. Like everything in this hobby field, it's a risk vs. reward metric. The range of game hunted with the 444 and 35/30 don't really justify the need for gilt-edged accuracy at levergun ranges--LOTS of venison gets made using thutty-thutties that print 3" clusters at 100 yards. Gotta make yerself happy while chasing this addiction. While the 25/35 is no wonder cartridge and a PITA using cast bullets, the chamber bulge ruined a 95% flatband 94 in a scarce caliber--which annoyed me more than a little.
It was a phoenix that rose from the ashes when Jesse Ocumpah rebored it to 38/55, which is LIGHT-YEARS MORE USEFUL by accident than the 25/35 ever was on purpose......so 'Lemons/lemonade'. I'm over it. Mostly.
It was a phoenix that rose from the ashes when Jesse Ocumpah rebored it to 38/55, which is LIGHT-YEARS MORE USEFUL by accident than the 25/35 ever was on purpose......so 'Lemons/lemonade'. I'm over it. Mostly.
todd
Well-Known Member
Jesse did my 35/30-30, it was great when it was a 30-30, but now it is unbelievably great!
back in 1980s, my friend's grandfather (RIP) owned a 25/20 in a Win m92. it was farm and hunting gun for years. he liked to use 85 or 86gr SP Winchester ammo for deer. his furthest shot was around 60-70 yards, but mostly 20-30 yards. i should have bought that gun, but nooooo, its ballistics are meh. dumbarse, you should have bought it when you had a chance is what i tell myself.
back in 1980s, my friend's grandfather (RIP) owned a 25/20 in a Win m92. it was farm and hunting gun for years. he liked to use 85 or 86gr SP Winchester ammo for deer. his furthest shot was around 60-70 yards, but mostly 20-30 yards. i should have bought that gun, but nooooo, its ballistics are meh. dumbarse, you should have bought it when you had a chance is what i tell myself.