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Practice Blanks for
Cowboy Mounted Shooting
The materials described
below are used in making practice blanks. Competition rules
require the use of certified blank ammo. The ends of
competition blanks are crimped. They are available from
several different sources including the
CMSA Gear Store.
Note: The Open Range Regulators assumes no responsibility
for accidental injury resulting from anyone making their own
blank ammunition. Reloading ammunition is an inherently
dangerous process. Persons doing the reloading assume all
responsibility for their safety.
Caution: A blank
can be fatal. Assume that a pistol loaded with blanks
is just as dangerous as one loaded with bullets. A
competition blank will shatter a can of soda at three feet.
Material and supplies
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Blank Brass
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Large pistol primers
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Hand Primer
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Powder scoop
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Black Powder
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Cork or Florist foam
Blank Brass:
Blank brass has an
enlarged primer hole leading into the case itself. The .140
hole does a better job of igniting the powder in the case.
Both Starline and TopBrass mark their brass so it is not
confused with regular 45 LC brass, which has a smaller hole.
Large Pistol Primers:
There are a number of makers of primers. CCI, Winchester,
and Federal to mention a few.
Hand Primer:
Lee
makes an inexpensive hand primer.
They have a
factory store the usually sells items at a reduced
price.
As a part of the hand primer, you will also have to purchase
a Shell Holder for 45 Long Colt. (Guns used in Cowboy
Mounted Shooting fire 45 Long Colt ammunition.)
Powder Scoop:
Lee sells a set of power scoops called the Lee Powder
Measure. Depending on the steadiness of your hand you may be
able to pour the powder directly into the blank case.
Funnels are available from Lee for those with a less steady
hand.
Black Powder:
There are a few makers of black powder.
Hodgdon
makes several types of black powder substitute. Black powder
is rated according to the fineness of the powder. Use the
loading data supplied by the powder manufacturer.
Black Powder substitute and primers can be purchased from
gun stores. Real black powder has a greater range that black
powder substitute however the substitutes can be found at
most gun stores where as true black powder is sold at a
limited number of gun stores. The closest one is in
Clarksville, AR.
Cork or Florist foam:
Cork can be used as a wad on top of the powder. Cork can be purchased in
various thicknesses. 1/16 inch cork can be found at an
auto parts store. It is sold as gasket material. 1/16 inch
cork sheeting is easier to cut than 1/8 inch although that
will work as well. Florist foam can be found at hobby
stores such as Hobby Lobby.
Use a rubber mallet, a brass case and punch round wads from
the cork. Using a piece of leather as a base under the cork
will save the case from being deformed as it is being used
as a punch.
You may want to make or purchase a block of wood drilled
with a number 9/16-inch holes. This will serve as a loading
block to hold the blanks as they move through the loading
process.
Remember to follow
powder recommended loading data for your first trial blanks.
Loading data is supplied for ammo containing a lead bullet.
Since blanks are not firing a bullet, may have to fill more
of the case with powder to get the balloon bursting power
you need.
If you would prefer to
purchase blanks, a list of supplier can be found here:
Certified Ammo Some of the suppliers offer
training blanks that have a reduced load and therefore sell
for a reduced price. |
