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Author Topic: Loading block drill size.  (Read 10319 times)

Offline Eric Krewson

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Loading block drill size.
« on: November 25, 2009, 06:51:27 AM »
I need to make a loading block for my new 54cal. I remember seeing a chart for the proper drill size for all calibers but cant find it through a search. What size drill do you guys use to make a 54 cal loading block? I have some nice osage, red oak burl and curly that would make now striking looking loading blocks.

Here is some of the burl wood in a bow tillering tool.

« Last Edit: November 25, 2009, 06:59:12 AM by Eric Krewson »
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Offline Chuck Burrows

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Re: Loading block drill size.
« Reply #1 on: November 25, 2009, 09:48:08 AM »
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BrownBear

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Re: Loading block drill size.
« Reply #2 on: November 25, 2009, 09:49:14 AM »
"Officially" the chart I've seen calls for a 35/64" bit.  But just try to find one at a decent price!  I had a 17/32" around and tried that.  It's real close, but requires just a bit of sanding with a piece of sandpaper wrapped around a pencil to get it right.  Kind of a file-to-fit situation, but it doesn't take much.
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Offline PIKELAKE

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Re: Loading block drill size.
« Reply #3 on: November 25, 2009, 07:14:22 PM »
A couple of weeks ago I found that a 35/64 bit was a tad too small for a 530 ball and a patch. I think the patch was.015. Anyway,  I just reamed the holes with a rat tail file till the balls fit snug.
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Offline Dennis Glazener

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Re: Loading block drill size.
« Reply #4 on: November 25, 2009, 10:21:09 PM »
Not having a 35/64 inch bit I made my .54 cal loading block using a 9/16 (36/64) then I used a oil finish on the block, making sure to really soak the inside of the hole. I have been using it for 2 years with .530 balls and .015 patching and its still very tight, never lost a ball and I wear it around my neck and swings all around ;D
Dennis
 
« Last Edit: November 26, 2009, 01:02:55 AM by Dennis Glazener »
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Offline wmrike

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Re: Loading block drill size.
« Reply #5 on: November 25, 2009, 11:08:03 PM »
Guess I'm not that detail oriented.  I just drill a half inch hole and open it with a Dremel until I get the fit I like.  Gorgeous piece of wood.  With all that figure, be sure to leave enough stock so that a tight ball/patch combo won't spit it for you.  Be sure to show us the end product, eh?
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Offline B.Habermehl

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Re: Loading block drill size.
« Reply #6 on: November 26, 2009, 12:18:37 AM »
The easiest thing to do is take a cheep speed bore bit, (you know the flat ones), and file it down as necessary to get it to drill the diameter hole that you want. A while back I made a set of these in  most of the popular calibers and was making a bunch of loading blocks to sell at the shoots on  my trade blanket.
   BJH
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Offline davec2

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Re: Loading block drill size.
« Reply #7 on: November 26, 2009, 05:24:21 AM »
It requires a bit of investment, but a few taper pin reamers of various sizes come in handy for a variety of hole size adjustment issues.  The ebony loading blocks below are for .32 and .50 cal round balls.  I drill the holes undersize and then use a taper pin reamer, from both sides, to precisely adjust the hole size to grip the ball (any size ball and any patch thickness) the way I want. 



I also use these reamers to open up the bores of cast ram rod pipes, etc.  The reamer in the photos below is a Number 8.  I use #s 7,8, & 9 the most and those three have been worth more than what they cost over the years in making hole adjustments quick, easy and precise.


« Last Edit: January 05, 2020, 06:38:12 AM by davec2 »
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Offline Brian

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Re: Loading block drill size.
« Reply #8 on: November 26, 2009, 04:52:42 PM »
Dave - your "casual" stuff just blows me away!   :o

Wild loading blocks and accessories.
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Jefferson58

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Re: Loading block drill size.
« Reply #9 on: November 28, 2009, 12:39:24 AM »
The tapered reamers look like a great idea for this and other projects. Out of curiosity, whose catalog are we viewing there?

Jeff
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Offline davec2

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Re: Loading block drill size.
« Reply #10 on: November 28, 2009, 01:27:05 AM »
Jeff,

Sorry, I meant to put that in my post.  The catalog is from McMaster Carr, but several of the machine tool houses will carry the standard taper pin reamers.
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"No man will be a sailor who has contrivance enough to get himself into a jail; for being in a ship is being in a jail, with the chance of being drowned... a man in a jail has more room, better food, and commonly better company."
Dr. Samuel Johnson, 1780

Offline Tim Crosby

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Re: Loading block drill size.
« Reply #11 on: November 28, 2009, 11:27:08 PM »
 I with Brian, you make some of the Koolest stuff.

 Tim C.
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