Spindrift
posted this
21 March 2020
1) I seat the checks, and run the bullets through a push-through sizer prior to coating. I prefer base- first sizing, using then NOE top-punch holder for the ram, and an appropriate top punch. I mostly use home made aluminum checks (Pat Marlin), but have used other checks as well. The Sages alu .30 checks are the only ones I have found, with a tendency to fall of during shake-and-bake. Hornady GC, copper gator checks of different makes,home made (even beercan checks in 6,5) stay put.
I shake-and-bake, using a small plastic container- easily held with one hand. I coat relatively few bullets at the same time (say; fifteen .22- bullets, or 5-7 .44- bullets). For the first batch of a coating session, I have to shake the container for a while (30 seconds, maybe). Then I place the bullets on the baking tray, put more bullets in the container, and shake again. But once the first batch of bullets is covered, you have built static in the container and can get away with much less shaking (10 seconds, maybe).
2) With PC- bullets, I have not ventured into the region of maximum loads, usually I find happiness around starting level jacket loads, or slightly reduced starting loads. I have no way of measuring pressure. But I work on the assumption PC bullets give relatively lower pressure than jacketed bullets, due to the lower friction of the system. Which, in turn, affects the powder burn- giving an elongated pressure curve, with lower peak pressure. But this is only my theoretical assumptions, no actual observations to substantiate this claim.
3) I haven’t shot enough PC-bullets to answer your question regarding barrel wear. I would assume wear to be less, due to the lower pressure of the system. But again, I can offer only speculation.
4) My experience with micro-grooved barrels is limited to a few loads in my brother’s 30-30. With the bullets I chose, I found that the added girth of the PC shortened possible COL to the degree that no crimping option was available. For this reason, I chose conventionally lubed bullets. So, no PC- bullets fired through the MG- barrel. I see no reason why PC bullets shouldn’t work in these barrels, but I think I would start out with 0,002in overbore.
There are lots of people with more experience on the subject than me. These are only my opinions, for what it’s worth. Good luck!