Bullet Pointing Question

[dblinden]

What is the best technique to trim (and thin) the inside tip of the jacket point in order to obtain better closure when the pointing die is used?

Dennis L

 

[watercam]

Have yet to see a tool that will 'thin' the jacket. Whidden's tip trimmer works well as does Hoover's. Have not had a problem obtaining an acceptable point with either trimmed or untrimmed Berger match bullets. Perhaps I am just fortunate but the difference in base-to-tip measurements for the bullets I am using is only +/- .002" before tipping. I am obtaining excellent vertical disbursement out to 1000 yards with untrimmed/tipped Juggernauts and Fullbores. If only I could hold with a sling as well as they shoot!

 

[amlevin]

What is the best technique to trim (and thin) the inside tip of the jacket point in order to obtain better closure when the pointing die is used?

Dennis L

I use a MCR (Montour Custom Rifles) Meplat trimmer that comes with a small "countersink" tool. the tip of the tool unifoms the hole and the upper portion bevels the inside edge. I don't point bullets after trimming meplats but they look like they would "close up" more uniform.

 

[dblinden]

amlevin -

Thanks. I have access to these same tools, but have not used them yet. In practice, how easy is it to set up and use? Any pointers (no pun intended)?

Dennis L

 

[amlevin]

amlevin -

Thanks. I have access to these same tools, but have not used them yet. In practice, how easy is it to set up and use? Any pointers (no pun intended)?

Dennis L

The only gripe I have about the MCR meplat trimmer is that to make it work reliably you just about have to have a compressed air hose handy to blow out the trimmer body after every bullet is trimmed. Tolerances are so tight that the bullet tends to stick if there's a small chip in the bullet end and the tools likewise bind. If you don't have compressed air, a bore mop on a case prep tool handle can be used to swab out the tool between bullets. Other than that it's an easy tool to use and set up.

First insert a bullet in the bullet end of the tool. Run the trimmer into the tool end, loosen the adjustment screw and lightly seat the cutter against the bullet tip with collar firmly on body. If you want to cut .005" off the bullet then put a .005" feeler gauge between body of tool and cutter depth stop collar. Loosen set screw again, again seat cutter against bullet tip then tighten the adjustment screw. When you remove the feeler gauge you will now cut exactly .005" of the tip of the bullet.

Repeat the same process for the countersink tool until you have the amount of "countersink" you desire. I run mine down until the jacket end has little or no flat spot on it. No particular reason, just my preference. If you're pointing this would allow the jacket to leave a nice sharp tip.

 

[dblinden]

Thanks for the details. Much appreciated.

Dennis L