Poly/Dacron plug anyone?

[cooperduper]

So, I'm curious who is using some filler material in what cartridges with what powders. I have done a little using flat squares of poly pillow filler over 4 gr of Unique in 38 spl. I use just a square big enough to push down with a pencil and hold the powder at the primer end of the case. This was easier and quicker and more effective than rolling up little "peas" of filler.

What have others done in large case/small charge combos? 45 Colt? Mild 44 mag? Seems like it would work with many position sensitive powders. The small plug weighs only a grain or two and is consumed rather than pushed along with the bullet...

 

[Scrapper]

EDIT:
While I'm always open to learning about using fillers in cases to compensate for the lack of a certain powder to fill the case to the appropriate levels. I have never used this method of loading any caliber. I have always used a powder that fills the case enough to do the job without adding an extra step to the loading process.

If you use Trail Boss for your reduced loads you won't need filler. Check out this instruction sheet from Hodgdon.

http://hodgdon.com/PDF/Trail-Boss-data.pdf

Some other opinionsFillers for light loads

 

[cooperduper]

Thanks Scrapper. I know all about TB. I wasn't asking about reduced loads, but use of position sensitive powders of low volume in large cases. That would not always be a reduced or mild load. I appreciate the cut and paste, anyway.

 

[Reddog]

30/30 with dacron filler?

I've been using a pea sized wad of dacron in my 30/30 for over 20 years now, with no ring in the barrel yet? My son uses them in his gun, too!
Dick

 

[OKFC05]

filler over 4 gr of Unique in 38 spl.

With the availability of Bullseye (long favorite for light loads), Trailboss (fills the case) and Titegroup (not position sensitive), using filler in .38 Special with 4gr Unique seems an elaborate, labor-intensive way to "solve" a problem created by an inappropriate choice of powder/charge.

I mean you can, but why?

I load 148gr wadcutters or 158gr plated bullets as fast as I can pull the handle on the Dillon and can't imagine spending hours stuffing little pillows into .38 cases by hand, especially since I shoot over 10,000 .38 a year!

 

[n4zov]

I shot a zillion cast bullet loads in .308 and .30-06 using Dacron as a filler and never had the slightest problem much less a ringed barrel. Also never had a trace of leading in handgun or rifle because I used a good lubricant and adequately hard bullets.

 

[Jellybean]

Thanks Scrapper. I know all about TB. I wasn't asking about reduced loads, but use of position sensitive powders of low volume in large cases. That would not always be a reduced or mild load. I appreciate the cut and paste, anyway.

I'm not sure I understand you correctly either. Are you trying to use less powder but get the same pressure by creating less space in the case? Or using a very slow powder that is not really suitable for the cartridge in question?

I use polyester stuffing in larger rifle cases using Bullseye for reduced loads, but that is just to keep the powder by the primer. Using slower density/position sensitive powders, I'd think you'd be better off using corn meal or something with less compressability than something that will just comprress and end up giving you more space than you wanted.

 

[TSQUARED]

Many years ago fillers such as Dacron were recommended for reduced rifle loads with cast bullets. Sometime late it was observed that this caused ringing of the barrel, I believe in the chamber area. With todays choice of powders such as Trail Boss and Titegroup to name two I do not believe one should attempt to use fillers in pistol cartridges or rifle cartridges.
I have used 11.2 gr. of Unique behind a 405 gr/ LRN bullet in the 45-70 for years without any filler. It's a very mild load but burns cleanly and is accurate out to 50 yards.

 

[scattershot]

I tried a Dacron filler in .45 Colt one time with my normal powder charge of 7.5/Unique/250LSWC, and started getting pressure signs.

I also ringed the chamber in a Ruger #1 45/70 using 2400 and Cream of Wheat. Kinda soured me on fillers, and I don't use them any more.

 

[cooperduper]

This is exactly the kind of conversation I was curious about. My thought was we would see answers all over the board. And we have. Including answers to questions not asked.

Again, I'm not talking about reduced loads, necessarily. I was just asking who has done what. For the 100 loads I used a flat square of poly in, it certainly didn't take hours to complete. It was an experiment to see if the wide range of chronograph results seen with Unique would be flattened out by being held closer to the primer. It did, and with no pressure signs, etc.

I appreciate everyone's input. And I'm glad to see IMR marketing of TB has worked so well. For the record, my usual choice in 38 Spl. is 231/HP-38 or Titegroup with lead and HS6 for jacketed. Although Unique is included in every manual I own...

Thanks, again, for the entertainment!

 

[LoboGunLeather]

I have used dacron fiber as a filler under moderate loads in .30-30, .300 Savage, .308 Win, .30-06, .30-40 Krag, .45-70, and .45-90 for well over 30 years. Never a problem.

I work up my loads with the filler from the beginning. I use powders that are in the middle range of burning rates, and the filler serves two purposes; first, keeping the powder charge contained against the primer; second, protecting the base of cast bullets from heat of powder burning.

Problems with fiber fill that I have seen reported were all related to very small (low volume) loads of fast burning powders in large cases. I recommend against such practices.

Best regards.