cnc lathe machining bullets?

[Paper Boy]

Ok anyone here do this? I was wondering if anyone had tried.

[Fyathyrio]

Looks like brass, I thought that was illegal for some strange reason?

[Us3rName]

There's just something about watching a CNC machine go to work.

why would it be illegal to machine your own projectiles? (sincere question)

[ironhiide]

So pretty, I dont think I could shoot them.

[Paper Boy]

why would it be illegal to machine your own projectiles? (sincere question)

Making them would not be a problem its what you making them out of that could be the issue...

[Us3rName]

Ahh I see.. I can see that.

[Dark Mod]

Thats freaking awesome

[pacifico23]

Seriously, like hypnotizing.

[Paper Boy]

I found a mini CNC lathe system for a few grand, I was debating pricing out what it would take to make 100 large cal bullets VS buy them to see if it would be worth it. Especially if a few of my friends want in on it to.

[Fyathyrio]

Looked it up, brass projectile is illegal for handgun as it's considered armor piercing. Rifle is OK as it'll go through body armor anyway. FFL 10 can make it.

More here if curious.

[RugerNo1]

Ever hear of people shooting .408 or .375 Cheytac at extremely long distances. For those distances you need a bullet that will be absolutely perfect. CNCs can turn out better bullets out of better, more consistant materials.

But, lathe turned bullets are availiable in almost all calibers (even ones that few people even heard of like 4 Bore). You just have to pay the price. Ever seen a 1000 grain .510 bullet? ....Massive.

[popeye4]

Looks like brass, I thought that was illegal for some strange reason?

Probably copper. I don't think it is illegal to use brass, but it might not be smart. Not sure brass would conform to the rifling so well as it has somewhat different mechanical properties, depending on alloy. It would be interesting to play around with, but I'm not sure I want to deal with brass fouling issues.....

This obviously can be done, and I have heard of some high-end competition bullets being made this way for a short time. If you have access to a CNC machine (say, you work at a shop that has one and can do this sort of thing when the machine isn't making money) it might be fun, but I'll bet it isn't cost effective. Also, I don't know if "perfect" bullets shoot any better, but it would be fun to play with different designs.

[RugerNo1]

"Perfect" bullets retain stability because of the uniformity of the alloy. Centerfugal force does not have such a dramatic impact on the bullet if the alloy used is very uniform (when compared to typical cup and core bullets).

It is splitting hairs, but the difference is lobbing and hoping for the best versus taking the time for the perfect hit on target at 2500 yards.

[Paper Boy]

but I'll bet it isn't cost effective. Also, I don't know if "perfect" bullets shoot any better, but it would be fun to play with different designs.

I dont know I found brass barstock for .34 cents an inch - not buying in bulk. So you figure if you use 2.5 inches at a time to make a bullet your at .85 cents vs TTI Armory 50 Bmg 750 Grain Match Solid at 1.19 a round....

[1in9twist]

There's just something about watching a CNC machine go to work.

Slight hijack Check this out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnIvhlKT7SY