It has occurred to me that paper-patching might offer a solution to my need to find a load that will shoot a 170 - 175 grain bullet, roughly 2000 fps. I have studied the idea a bit...and done some experimentation on some bullets that I have (though I have not loaded or fired any). Making and rolling the paper patches does not seem any real problem - I did about 15 bullets for experimentation - and getting the hang of it wasn't difficult. Several questions come to mind, though.
1) I am shooting the 8 x 57 cartridge ("8mm Mauser"). There are plenty of plain-based bullets around for the old .32/40....sized .321" to .322". I am wondering if starting with bullets of .321" and paper-patching them might be a creative way to get better velocities from such bullets ? Am I right in believing that paper-patched bullets are usually NOT gas-checked ? What approximate BHN is good for paper-patched bullets ?
2) I believe that most paper-patched bullets in fact do not have lube grooves (they have straight, smooth sides ?). Is this correct ? Any reason that a bullet WITH lube grooves won't work for paper- patching ? The bullets I prepared for experimentation I lubed with LLA, after the paper-jackets dried. Is this workable ?
Unless told that this is a stupid idea, I think that I will get some .321" sized bullets, the next time I order...and try the paper-patching idea. ANY advice would be appreciated.