Reloading Tracer Bullets

[mookiie]

I came across some Tracer bullets in .311 dia. Has anyone reloaded rounds with tracer bullets? Are their any extra factors to consider regarding load pressure/combustion?
Thanks

 

[Hondo 60]

Can't say as I've ever seen the components for sale anywhere.

Good luck!

 

[mookiie]

They were from here:
http://www.polygunbag.com/bullets.html

 

[ReloaderFred]

Tracer bullets have been sold for years from such sites as Widener's, etc. I've loaded .30-06 tracers with good results. I just used data for the same weight bullets, and when fired, they traced just fine. They aren't "target quality" by any means.........

You have to check the local laws, though. Some places, like Calif., don't allow them. There is also a fire danger with them, and they will start fires in dry brush. Some ranges also won't allow them for the same reason.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[kingmt]

They are probably longer then the bullets of the same weight so pressure will be higher.

 

[USSR]

Are their any extra factors to consider regarding load pressure/combustion?

A couple of things. First, they are long for weight, hence more bearing surface, so dropping back just a little on charge weight is not such a bad idea. Second, don't expect them all to light up.

Don

 

[mookiie]

I don't have to worry about them setting my target on fire do I?

 

[Edarnold]

Reloading Tracers

Might want to clean your gun carefully after firing these; some tracer compounds are also corrosive.
If you want to see what kind of fire hazard these present, put one of the bullets in a vise and heat the base with a torch until it lights up. Like a little road flare.

 

[USSR]

I don't have to worry about them setting my target on fire do I?

Save them for a rainy day - literally!

Don

 

[antlermafia]

I bought 100 223 tracer pull downs from brassman. Loaded 20 to check them out and none of them lit. Any ideas?

 

[mookiie]

Antlermafia - it could be an ignition/powder burn rate issue what powder did you use?

 

[animator]

I don't have to worry about them setting my target on fire do I?

Yes. Shooting at a paper target, they can leave burns around the edges of the hole that can continue to smolder, and eventually ignite, depending on the paper.

They will also ignite any brush that they might come into contact with.

The compound that burns in the bullet can also come free of the jacket and fall anywhere between you and the target, and ignite dry grass.


This is my experience with tracers, yours may vary. They are fun to shoot, but use common sense when it comes to the fire hazard...

 

[KodiakBeer]

If you have several powders in stock, use the slowest one you have. You get more consistent ignition that way.

 

[mookiie]

Animator - I don't ave to worry about brush the range I use does not have any in the line of fire. The backstop is a large dirt hill so no worry their either. Thanks for the input looking forward to trying them out!

 

[mookiie]

Here s a burn rate chart if this helps you:
http://www.imrpowder.com/PDF/Burn Rates_nov10.pdf

 

[antlermafia]

I used 24 grains of H335

 

[antlermafia]

What powders have you used successfully in 223 with a 55 grain tracer?

 

[mookiie]

Might want to try Win 748 Seems to have slower burn rate than what you are using. How many grains is your projectile? 40 grns?

 

[Clark]

I would only shoot tracers from some bore I did not care about, or some Chrome lined barrel.

My brother wrecked a family gun with what he called flares.
It had to get a new barrel.

The guys that sell tracers say that you want a fast enough powder to make a hot enough flame to set it off.
They also sell old crummy tracers that only half of them go off.