Foam calking as filler

[Make do]

Any one using foam calking, comes in 1/2 inch rods as filler for APP powder? I have heard that it works. Considering using it for my 38/40. 

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

Captain Baylor used to recommend that for APP (and maybe 777).  He made a little jig to cut them to length.

[Boggus Deal #64218]

They make one .375 diameter I think would work better for you in .38-40. 

[Warden Callaway]

I cut up U-Haul packing peanuts.  They are made from bean and corn and eatable and will degrade.

https://www.uhaul.com/MovingSupplies/Packing-Supplies/Biodegradable-Packing-Peanuts/?id=730

 

 

[Hoss]

Another good filler is more APP!

[Make do]

I seem to remember something in the Chronicle does anybody know what issue that was?

[Edward R S Canby, SASS#59971]

Sometimes there is a slight ring of foam left in the mouth of a case after firing.  This disappears during tumbling.  Now that I shoot 38 Specials I have no need for backer rod except for my 45-70 loads I shoot in the Plainsman.  An advantage of backer rod is that it cannot mix with the powder during recoil when other rounds are fired.

[El diablo gringo]

Caulk backer rod works great.  I’ve used it for years.

 

Gringo

[Captain Clark]

Been using “backer rod” since about 2016 with no adverse effects. It’s cheap, effective and works well for me. The “toxicity “ of a fraction of a grain by weight is probably overshadowed by many other secondary sources of exposure that comes with a day at the range IMO. I have found that the exact length of cut backer rod is less critical so long it’s above the minimum length of  your loading. Measure from powder charge to case mouth, and cut to that length. For 45 Colt, the seating depth of your bullet will supply plenty of compression with APP, BlackMz, T7etc… Add about 1/8” length for real black. 

Edited March 15 by Captain Clark

[Prairie Dawg, SASS #50329]

Hi Make Do:
July 2021
--Dawg

21JulyChron.pdf

[Cheyenne Ranger, 48747L]

side trail--I use a piece in the shot section of my shotgun shells, using ½ oz of shot is all.  Two rotator cuff surgeries mean I have to have very light loads.

 

works like a champ

[Rooster Ron Wayne]

As Hoss already stated .

Use more APP.

I'm a worthog shooter .

Full load APP and 200gr or larger bullet. 

Big bang , Big smoke . Big clang !

No I think he missed ? 😂

[Edward R S Canby, SASS#59971]

14 minutes ago, Rooster Ron Wayne said:

As Hoss already stated .

Use more APP.

I'm a worthog shooter .

Full load APP and 200gr or larger bullet. 

Big bang , Big smoke . Big clang !

No I think he missed ? 😂

That's a good plan if your goal is to make the alarms in the parking lot sound.  If you are after a buckle or trying to reduce recoil due to physical limitations, it's not desirable.

[La Sombra]

I tried the backer rod. Never really got it to work while reloading on my 550. So I still use grits. (Grits are more than filling.) 
As with all things, YMMV.

 

La Sombra

[Griff]

Fillers?    Whatever for?  Totally unnecessary.  

Edited March 16 by Griff

[Boggus Deal #64218]

The other good thing about using a filler, besides the extra noise and potential damage to targets, is the savings in powder. If you can do the job of knocking over a target with half as much powder and shoot more, why not? With the cost and availability of components, why not conserve where you can?
Granted, this is a game you pay your money to play, you can play it how you want to. 

[watab kid]

ive got a whole bunch of it if anyone near me needs it , ill never use it all up in my lifetime ,