KNURLING A MZL BULLET

[Deleted]

Exactly what is the purpose of knurling a bullet for muzzleloading shooting? I know what it is,but not the effect on the bullet.I know it raises the copper,but for what?

[10ga]

bullets knurled to increase diameter and roughen the surface. Increased diameter if needed for better fit in bore when shooting sabotless. Give grip to bullet in sabot when using sabots, with the fast twist of many SML it is thought that the sabot spins so fast the bullet actually slips in the sabot and does not have proper spin imparted. I give a slight knurl to all bullets I shoot in sabots, 45 X 50 and 40 X 45, and it does improve the accuracy = reduces fliers.

Knurling for sabotless shooting is best done with a proper tool. File knurling has resulted in barrel damage when file teeth were broken off and embedded in the bullets and scored the rifle bore. My experience, yours may be different.

10

[dannoboone]

Apr 5, 2017 10:32:57 GMT -5 10ga said:

Knurling for sabotless shooting is best done with a proper tool. File knurling has resulted in barrel damage when file teeth were broken off and embedded in the bullets and scored the rifle bore.
10

AMEN!!

[Deleted]

Shooting 200 grain sst bullet in light blue sabot with 60 grains of h4198 powder in26'' Brux barrel.Thanks for the input.

[ourway77]

I as very lucky I knurled some 45 caliber bullets and before I tried them in my Brux I was called away so I sat at the computer and saw the thread where a barrel was ruined by knurling I went down in the garage and sure enough there were pieces of file in the bullet Somebody was looking out for me. I didn't discard all the bullets instead I used them with sabots in my 50 caliber I was told knurling is OK if you use them in sabots?

[Deleted]

That is my understanding as well since the sabot surrounds the bullet itself.Not actually touching the barrelas it expels the barrel.

[aldeerhunter]

Apr 5, 2017 10:32:57 GMT -5 10ga said:

bullets knurled to increase diameter and roughen the surface. Increased diameter if needed for better fit in bore when shooting sabotless. Give grip to bullet in sabot when using sabots, with the fast twist of many SML it is thought that the sabot spins so fast the bullet actually slips in the sabot and does not have proper spin imparted. I give a slight knurl to all bullets I shoot in sabots, 45 X 50 and 40 X 45, and it does improve the accuracy = reduces fliers.

Knurling for sabotless shooting is best done with a proper tool. File knurling has resulted in barrel damage when file teeth were broken off and embedded in the bullets and scored the rifle bore. My experience, yours may be different.

10

What is the "proper tool" for knurling?

Thanks

[AJ]

Any data to show what knurling does to BC on the long range shots? Since the knurling is creating a rougher surface it would increase drag and reduce velocity/energy downrange.

[BuckDoeHunter]

Some of the roughness seems to get smoothed out as the bullet swells and travels down the bore.

290gr TEZ pulled from dirt, sand, and rocks. MV approx 2600fps, Brux barrel.  Knurling marks are still present on most of the bullets bearing surface.


250gr TEZ. MV approx 2700fps.  McGowen barrel.

[Deleted]

I was told to use 2 double cut bastard files.I got mine from AMAZON,but e-bay had them as well and you get free shipping on them.I lost the invoice to amazon ,but look under hand tools and they come up.Good luck.

[spc136]

Others may not agree with me but I think knurling bullets also weakens the jacket . I feel it allows the bullet to fatten up in the rifling easier while shooting Blackhorn sabot less. Again this is only a opinion. I may be all wet .