RainStorm test with Choke removed and tested with slugs.

[KnifeMaker]

RainStorm II on mile steroids. LOL


Posted this in the Choke thread, but will hold its own here I think. Many people want to know what these can do.






the Rainstorm shot well, VERY well with JSB's but not so well with bullets. Once I found that the bbl. itself was very tight, ( bbl. .250/choke .251) I gathered up a bucket load of courage and cut and recrowned it.


The results were shocking. It went from a one holer at 36 yards with MK-II's to literally pellet size hole. All thru the pellet sized hole!


Bullets were very inconsistent with the choke. Regardless of sizing. Once the choke was removed, the groups were good. Not stellar, but good, with far less fillers.


I hand lapped the bbl. and the groups got better. But still not what they could be.


Late yesterday evening, I fire lapped the bbl. starting with 220 grit, followed by 360 grit, and finally 600 grit.
this is done by rubbing the oil mix of grit on a precision steel plate, and using a second steel plate, rolling the bullet between the two plates, which pressed the grit into the bearing surfaces of the bullet.


Proper way to use it is 10 shots with 220, 10-20 of 360, and finally 20+ of the 600 grit. I was very low on the grit, so 10 or 220, 15 of 360 and 15 of 600 grit were used.


The .25 Storm with bullets was a fine 36 yard performer, and fair 50 yard performer, but not so good at 80 yards.


Today, the test shows it is now a Squirrel Killer at 80 yards. Success at last!


Used a 1" target dot on my range, and the first NOE modded Ranch Dog, 50 grain bullet went exactly thru the tiny bulls eye of the target. Followed by two more tightly touching. Final two strung to the right. My bad, Seems I am too anxious to wait for the gust of wind to settle. GRRRR!


So here is something to think about. Choke at 80 yards, 8-9 inch groups. No choke ,2-3" groups. Hand lapped, 2 to 1/2" groups. Fire Lapped, under an inch at the same distance, same bullets.


Pictured is six shots of the 50 grainers, at apx 740 fps. ( Just received new hammer springs from Oneshot and the velocity jumped to 880 fps at lowest setting of adjustment  from hammer spring screw). Have not tested accuracy yet with higher velocity. The bbl. is one in 14 twist, so should get even better with speed. FPPE jumped from 63-64 fpe to 86 fpe with nothing more than s simple spring change, Thanks to Oneshot. 


Knife 
Six Shots from magazine, first two thru the tiny bullseye at 80 yards. 6-8 SW Wind from left to right, with gust to 10-11 mph.








 

[oneshot61]

That bullet has a wicked meplat! Nice shooting and very nice power. Your inspiring me:)

[Hobbyman2007]

Alright now you’re on to something . This is great . Now let’s get Al at NOE to make this mold available in let’s say .410” length . That should fit most mags .

[Wayne52]

That's really great success you're having with that slug Michael !!!

[Nomadic Pirate]

86 FPE .....

[KnifeMaker]

That bullet has a wicked meplat! Nice shooting and very nice power. Your inspiring me:)

Sure hope it is as accurate with the stronger hammer spring that you sent.   Really woke it up!


Had the same mold at 80 gr HP's by Eric at hp mold services and it is ultra devastating on varmints.

[KnifeMaker]

Alright now you’re on to something . This is great . Now let’s get Al at NOE to make this mold available in let’s say .410” length . That should fit most mags .

At 50 gr's it is only .3975". Longer would be heavier of course. the actual thickness of the RS mag cylinder is .403.  I found a way to make it capable of taking a much longer bullet if needed though. Need to check to see if a Predator Poly Mag will fit now.

[KnifeMaker]

That's really great success you're having with that slug Michael !!!

thanks Wayne
Very happy with the results so far. Was a long road with a lot of testing to get there though. Worth it in the end. 

[KnifeMaker]

86 FPE .....

This is with the spring adjuster on the lightest setting Manny. I think this bullet would do very well for what you hunt manny. Lots of horsepower available with it.  Would make for a fantastic Hog Bullet.

[E30_S50]

When you fire lapped the barrel, is there any issue with the abrasive grit compound doing harm to the o-ring in the breech?

[screwwork]

Knife,
Thanks for the info on Fire lapping, I have heard of the process and never looked into how it was done.
Your hard work is paying off with the choke removal, nice group too, sweet success! 

[KnifeMaker]

When you fire lapped the barrel, is there any issue with the abrasive grit compound doing harm to the o-ring in the breech?

Yes it will damage the O ring. Only takes me a few minutes once done to install an new one. Eazy Peazy.

[KnifeMaker]

Knife,
Thanks for the info on Fire lapping, I have heard of the process and never looked into how it was done.
Your hard work is paying off with the choke removal, nice group too, sweet success!

Thank Guy!


Knife

[KnifeMaker]

There is a very neat little trick to installing an O ring in the breach. Anyone needs to know, or doesn't know, I'll be glad to include it here. Only takes a minute. Very fast!
Knife

[screwwork]

I have lubed my o-rings with a little silicone oil, squeeze til oblong and stick it in the o-ring groove, then use a small round tool to get the rest of the o-ring in place, trying not to drop & lose the dang o-ring.

If you don't mind Knife, please share your barrel o-ring insertion trick. I am always looking for better ways to get the job done and if I don't have to remove the barrel. I have short, fat fingers, shake and my eyesight s#cks too.

[oldpro]

I have lubed my o-rings with a little silicone oil, squeeze til oblong and stick it in the o-ring groove, then use a small round tool to get the rest of the o-ring in place, trying not to drop & lose the dang o-ring.

If you don't mind Knife, please share your barrel o-ring insertion trick. I am always looking for better ways to get the job done and if I don't have to remove the barrel. I have short, fat fingers, shake and my eyesight s#cks too.

Same way I do it so If theres a better way Im all ears.

[KnifeMaker]

don't ya just love it when you squeeze a well lubed O ring and it shoots off to who knows where!


OK, I just add a small step further.


Same as you guys, + I insert a wooden dowel rod or cleaning rod mainus any jag thru the bore, pinch the lubed O ring to oblong and insert O Ring into breach.  Additionally, I have a second very short piece of dowel rod, (Base of pellet works almost as well). and block the entrance of the breach with it. (Doesn't matter how deep you put the O Ring in.


Simply push the dowel rod, or cleaning rod thru the bore until it touches the O ring. Now slowly press it further, with the other small dowel or pellet base just even with the start of the breach side fo the O ring groove. It will pop in on its own now. Takes seconds.


A second way, only slightly different is insert the second dowel further in pushing the O ring forward in the bbl. Hold pressure on it as you push the long dowen thru the bore, and the O ring will pop in on its own. Evern crisper.

The second dowel has to be short. Very short with mag. fed AG's. I think mine is about 3/8 Inch. 

Knife 

[screwwork]

That sounds super easy peasy installing the o-ring your way! Thanks for the tip!

[KnifeMaker]

That sounds super easy peasy installing the o-ring your way! Thanks for the tip!

Add a little more to the steps. Even easier, with no fiddling. 

[E30_S50]

Forgive me if I missed the info, did you cast those bullets yourself?