Henry Rifle Forums

My cheap plinking load for indoor garage use that I tried 9 yrs. ago...the hardwood bullet!

I had some of those oddball Hornady cases that are shorter and modified them for a 209 shotgun primer only...no powder needed.
Make up the hardwood bullets from wood dowel material and cut the O-ring grooves. O-ring installed measures .463 on the .435 diameter bullet letting the O-ring seal bullet in case and only the O-ring rides in the rifling sealing the bore. Bullet weight 28.5-30 gr.

They work fairly well in revolvers and will go thru plastic milk jug of water. You can recover the bullet and reuse.

Range report soon!

interesting, didn't know they exist ..

I would certainly try them. Very interesting never heard of them.

I am guessing you turn the bullets on your lathe. Interesting idea, do you lube the o rings?

Many years ago I had some plastic cases in .38 and .45 that used a primer to shoot a slug that was basically just a cylinder with a little step down to keep it from seating in the case too far. I think that I have some of them left . I am surprised that the rubber O ring doesn't get hot going down the bore and leave a mess.

Ernie wrote: ↑

Sun Nov 29, 2020 5:18 pm

I am guessing you turn the bullets on your lathe. Interesting idea, do you lube the o rings?

Yes I turn the bullets down out of a length of hardwood dowel rod. A light lube of Ballistol helps them load into the case as well as going down the barrel.

Travlin wrote: ↑

Sun Nov 29, 2020 9:51 pm

Many years ago I had some plastic cases in .38 and .45 that used a primer to shoot a slug that was basically just a cylinder with a little step down to keep it from seating in the case too far. I think that I have some of them left . I am surprised that the rubber O ring doesn't get hot going down the bore and leave a mess.

Yeah those plastic cases and bullets could have been made by Speer. I have some in .38 Special and had those for years.

Hey, I get the prize for noticing your play on words in your post title. I’ll PM you my address for the 1000 .357 ammo you promised!

I think a sliver at 800 FPS will be tough to get out.

Hatchdog wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 30, 2020 9:58 am

Hey, I get the prize for noticing your play on words in your post title. I’ll PM you my address for the 1000 .357 ammo you promised!

A smart man who picks up on the small details.....ammo on the way!

RanchRoper wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 30, 2020 10:23 am

I think a sliver at 800 FPS will be tough to get out.

Yes that wood hurt! If you haven't already check out the Range Test of that load.