Rifle Fillers

[Rare Breed]

What a bummer…I can’t even get Trader Keiths to return my calls. I used to buy #2 open foam fillers for my DRs. Does anyone have a new source for this without me having to buy and cut my own please?

 

[Ridge Runner]

Have you checked Ballistic Products, and Brownell's/ Gamaliel Shooting Supplies?

 

[Moody808]

Please excuse my ignorance, am new to double rifles, but what exactly is the foam filler used for? Thanks!

 

[BourbonTrail]

Please excuse my ignorance, am new to double rifles, but what exactly is the foam filler used for? Thanks!

The Nitro Express calibers used in many double rifles were designed for use with black powder or cordite, which takes up more case volume than modern powders. The foam filler is used to take up the space left behind to improve load density.

 

[Rare Breed]

no need to repeat a well respected members reply!!!

 

[Moody808]

The Nitro Express calibers used in many double rifles were designed for use with black powder or cordite, which takes up more case volume than modern powders. The foam filler is used to take up the space left behind to improve load density.

Ah, that makes sense, I really appreciate the explanation, As someone on the verge of joining the double rifle fraternity I am trying to soak up as much information as possible! My copy of Shooting the British Double Rifle 4th ed. just arrived today and I can't wait to get stuck into it.

Presumably if you purchase a more recently made double rifle that is regulated with modern ammo the foam filling wouldn't be something that you come across?

 

[franzfmdavis]

I don’t know of another source other than Trader Keith.

However, if you know the maximum width of the foam you need, you could consider trying a foam backer rod, which is available in large rolls on Amazon. You would have to cut it down to the size you need, which would be relatively easy.

I believe each of the Kynoch #2 fillers were for “.400-.500.” Therefore, I think that a half-inch foam backer rod may work if the density is right.

Please note that I have not personally tried this, but was thinking of it as a back up option if Kynoch stopped making the foam fillers. If someone has an opinion on why this would not be a good option, please let me know in a reply.

 

[WAB]

Bill was very sick when I spoke with his wife shortly after SCI. That may be the reason you’re not getting a return call.

 

[BourbonTrail]

Ah, that makes sense, I really appreciate the explanation, As someone on the verge of joining the double rifle fraternity I am trying to soak up as much information as possible! My copy of Shooting the British Double Rifle 4th ed. just arrived today and I can't wait to get stuck into it.

Presumably if you purchase a more recently made double rifle that is regulated with modern ammo the foam filling wouldn't be something that you come across?

Case dimensions haven’t changed, so foam fillers are still typically required to achieve load densities at the target velocities. It’s my understanding that factory ammo often uses filling foam as well (gents, feel free to correct me).

@Backyardsniper managed to regulate his Kreighoff in 470 NE without needing foam fillers by selecting a certain powder (that I don’t remember).

 

[Moody808]

Case dimensions haven’t changed, so foam fillers are still typically required to achieve load densities at the target velocities. It’s my understanding that factory ammo often uses filling foam as well (gents, feel free to correct me).

@Backyardsniper managed to regulate his Kreighoff in 470 NE without needing foam fillers by selecting a certain powder (that I don’t remember).

That's super interesting. There's so much to learn!

 

[C.W. Richter]

What a bummer…I can’t even get Trader Keiths to return my calls. I used to buy #2 open foam fillers for my DRs. Does anyone have a new source for this without me having to buy and cut my own please?

sorry i was doing something important. i didn't mean to repeat it. lol Simply get rid of it and get something more modern (in the smokeless powder era!) LOL my son has the same issues with is turn of the last century Ithaca! Though i am having someone design a wooden sailing ship that i can fire saltpeter cannons and dried opium balls (from china-england 100s yrs ago) toward targets on land...Biden-Harris really put the idea in my head. Sell it and upgrade to Gold! It's the ONLY way.

 

[AimSmall]

Use a leather punch on the foam in your Barnes bullet boxes.

 

[Monski]

I bought a bag to try back when but now use foam backer rod, 1/2" in my 470 NE and 5/8" in my 505 Gibbs. There is 91 in this bag that I don't need. PM me your address and I will send them.

 

[Rare Breed]

Case dimensions haven’t changed, so foam fillers are still typically required to achieve load densities at the target velocities. It’s my understanding that factory ammo often uses filling foam as well (gents, feel free to correct me).

@Backyardsniper managed to regulate his Kreighoff in 470 NE without needing foam fillers by selecting a certain powder (that I don’t remember).

You can do that but increased recoil. After 8 DRs I know

 

[V.Veritas]

I bought a bag to try back when but now use foam backer rod, 1/2" in my 470 NE and 5/8" in my 505 Gibbs. There is 91 in this bag that I don't need. PM me your address and I will send them.

Do the fillers/ foam backer rod leaves any residues in the barrel after the powder burned? Is it ejected or burned out?
Never used foam fillers and would like to know before I do. Thanks.

 

[JimP]

Years ago I was loading some very light loads in a couple of pistol cartridges. I couldn't find anything in the loading departments so I went to a old gent in a feed and grain store that let people use his presses and dies if you purchased the components from him.

He told me to go down to a department store and buy a pillow that was filled with shredded foam and to use that as a filler.

I still have around half of that pillow out in the garage, I just saw it the other day.

 

[404Jeffry]

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Please excuse my ignorance, am new to double rifles, but what exactly is the foam filler used for? Thanks!

 

[deewayne2003]

Do the fillers/ foam backer rod leaves any residues in the barrel after the powder burned? Is it ejected or burned out?
Never used foam fillers and would like to know before I do. Thanks.

No residue left

 

[Sabre]

I didn't even know this was a thing. I am not a reloader and don't shoot double rifles with any regularity. When I was googling to learn more about it, this old thread from AH came up. Maybe it will help, but maybe not.

Thread 'Dacron filler (for reloading 450/400 NE 3”)'

Jun 19, 2020

I just purchased a DR in 450/400 NE 3”. My rifle should be delivered to me anytime now.
While waiting for it, I am loading up a few rounds to check the rifle out when I have it in my possession.

After reading through some discussions on the web and Hornady reference I have decided to use the following:

Hornady brass
Federal 215
Hornady 400 gn FMJ

COAL 3.650”

H4831sc
80 gn and 81 gn

RL 15
68 gn and 69 gn

When I charge the case with RL 15, there seems to be quite a void whereas H4831sc seems to have minimal void.

On further web surfing, many talk of using Dacron filler...

• yhc
• Replies: 17
• Forum: Reloading

 

[JimP]

Years ago I was loading some very light loads in a couple of pistol cartridges. I couldn't find anything in the loading departments so I went to a old gent in a feed and grain store that let people use his presses and dies if you purchased the components from him.

He told me to go down to a department store and buy a pillow that was filled with shredded foam and to use that as a filler.

I still have around half of that pillow out in the garage, I just saw it the other day.