OP
OP
Bcwitt
Member
BTW, Tons of poeple are doing it.
Copper bullets
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AJC1
Member
Well the casting community is considered small, in comparison I wouldn't believe that as a subgroup of reloaders there are enough machinist capable to be a big community.
OP
OP
Bcwitt
Member
OK
OP
OP
Bcwitt
Member
I was thinking a spire point would be the simplest thing.
tightgroup tiger
Member
It definitely would be. You could use the taper attachment on the lathe if yours has one. I had one on my old South Bend and it was a little tricky to use to be repeatable, but not that bad. That would keep you from having to turn your compound and hand crank your taper and leave machine marks.
OP
OP
Bcwitt
Member
Not the least bit concerned w marks.
OP
OP
Bcwitt
Member
Something like an armature lathe might work also.
NuJudge
Member
Caution: the Federal legislation which banned all bullets supposedly designed to penetrate soft body armor, 18 USC Sec 921(a)(17), banned all bullets made from one or a combination of Tungsten, steel, iron, brass, bronze & beryllium copper, or depleted uranium. Brass and bronze are just copper with Tin or Zinc, and sometimes other things such as Lead, Silver and other things. I have seen references to materials being "brass" or "bronze" when they are 96% copper. If the copper used was produced from scrap, I would be willing to bet there would be several percent of tramp elements.
One of the problems manufacturers have is knowing composition of something they are working on. If you pay a supplier enough, they will certify that they have brought you green cheese from the moon. If you want to lathe bullets from copper, I would ask the BATFE if they feel that 18 USC 921 (a)(17) controls making projectiles from copper, and specify the source and grade of copper you are going to use (pick one you know to be low in Tin and Zinc). You can do this on-line at:
https://www.atf.gov/contact
Also, make these just for yourself, or get licensed as a manufacturer.
I have contacted BATFE on technical questions, but always done it via letter.
The above is for entertainment. Under the laws of my state, I may not represent anyone other than myself.
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OP
OP
Bcwitt
Member
Thanks! Thats what i was getting @.
Swampman
Old Fart
Per the ATF:
"It is important to note that the limitation on “armor piercing ammunition” in the GCA does not apply to projectiles manufactured exclusively from non-restricted materials such as copper and lead; it only applies to projectiles that include the specifically restricted materials, and can be used in a handgun. The framework will not apply to projectiles manufactured exclusively from non-restricted materials; licensed manufacturers will continue to be free to manufacture such projectiles without seeking an exemption."
https://www.atf.gov/news/pr/armor-piercing-ammunition-exemption-framework
"It is important to note that the limitation on “armor piercing ammunition” in the GCA does not apply to projectiles manufactured exclusively from non-restricted materials such as copper and lead; it only applies to projectiles that include the specifically restricted materials, and can be used in a handgun. The framework will not apply to projectiles manufactured exclusively from non-restricted materials; licensed manufacturers will continue to be free to manufacture such projectiles without seeking an exemption."
https://www.atf.gov/news/pr/armor-piercing-ammunition-exemption-framework
barnfrog
Member
I'm guessing that will turn out to be like asking a bullet caster why not just buy lead bullets. Interested to read the OP's response, though.
Sure, if you have the machine tools sitting there, and you want to eat the cost of the copper and the time involved, but Lehigh as already done the designs and taken the time. Is the object of the exercise to see if you can do it, or is it to get copper bullets to shoot? Two different pathways. My question was based on my initial assumption that having copper bullets to shoot was the objective.
AJC1
Member
I'm just imagining a homegamer trying to make bullets on a $500 3" China lathe.
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daniel craig
Member
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Would be neat as lead free hunting projectiles
OP
OP
Bcwitt
Member
The specific type of interest is not currently available in any material.
OP
OP
Bcwitt
Member
Soonerpesek
Member
Custom grind a forming tool, go till you hit the ".002" on the dial indicator, finish to ".000" with the compound.......?............pretty repeatable I would think.......
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