3D printing idea/question

GrapeApe

Speer makes, or used to make, plastic cases and "bullets" for practice. IIRC they made them for 38s and 44s
I wonder if it would be possible to 3D print cases and projectiles for other cartridges?
Maybe powered by 209 primers?

Anyone ever tried it?

Would a 3D printed case be strong enough?

Would a "printed" projectile survive a shot?

I know the Speer ones would survive multiple shots, and depending on the backstop, the cases usually "died" first/

GrapeApe

A plastic 223 case, with a 209 primer and a plastic bullet. Might make for a fun time.

A big boomer like a 460 or 500SW with a primer powered load, I'm not sure you'd actually "feel" the shot, you'd just hear it

Bigslug

There should be plenty of "zip" in a standard primer.  Don't think we'd need to resort to 209's.

Along that line of reasoning, all of the lead-styphynate-free primers being marketed with ammo for police indoor ranges that I'm aware of are small pistol (which is where the SPP .45 Auto brass got started).

To the best of my knowledge, nobody's marketed those primers by themselves as components.  This might be a good reason for somebody to start.

GrapeApe

RWS and Fiocchi both market lead free primers, from a quick google search. Not sure if you can find any though.
One of the reason I thought 209 primers wasn't for power, but for the flange they have making it easier to print a case they'd stay in.

breamfisher

My understanding with 3D printers is it depends on the resin and printer you use.  Some are really cheap and will likely fall apart, others (more $) would probably hold up to it.  I'm not sure what cost range or specs you'd be looking at.  I just know that for printing other stuff, some folks have found their home units lacking.

GrapeApe

That's why I asked "the collective"

bullsi1911

X-Ring still sells the rubber bullets that you can load in a regular case that you drill out the flash hole on.  I have them in .44 and .38, and they work great.

as for printing cases/ projectiles… I dunno.  You should try it.

Wambli Ska

bullsi1911 said:

X-Ring still sells the rubber bullets that you can load in a regular case that you drill out the flash hole on.  I have them in .44 and .38, and they work great.

as for printing cases/ projectiles… I dunno.  You should try it.

This...  When I shot SASS I used fired .45 Colt cases and just bought canning wax and poured into a cookie sheet and used the cases as a cookie cutter.  They work well at modest distances and it's easy to clean the gun, and you can remelt the fired bullets and use the wax again.

But I agree with bullsi, that would be a cool experiment.

bullsi1911

I have been kicking around the idea of 3D printing a shell for the 26.5mm flare pistol that would use 209 primers to fire super bounce rubber balls.

because reasons

ilove22s

GrapeApe said:

Speer makes, or used to make, plastic cases and "bullets" for practice. IIRC they made them for 38s and 44s
I wonder if it would be possible to 3D print cases and projectiles for other cartridges?
Maybe powered by 209 primers?

Anyone ever tried it?

Would a 3D printed case be strong enough?

Would a "printed" projectile survive a shot?

I know the Speer ones would survive multiple shots, and depending on the backstop, the cases usually "died" first/

nope.

but i have a great idea. you have my blessing and enabling to try.

as noting all of the caveats above.

breamfisher

https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/various/re-usable-practice-bullets

Japhy

Some law enforcement use "lipsticks" which are wax bullets powered by a primer only for training.

The cases can be standard brass cases. I do not know if light wax bullets and no powder would cycle in a semi auto action even with an ultralight recoil spring.

3D printed cases could be made from Delrin.  Delrin can be machined to close tolerances, has low friction, and is temp stable over the range.  The walls would need to be thicker than brass with the outside dimensions meeting the standard spec.  Delrin is tough stuff Spyderco knife handles are Delrin.

GrapeApe

bullsi1911 said:

X-Ring still sells the rubber bullets that you can load in a regular case that you drill out the flash hole on.  I have them in .44 and .38, and they work great.

as for printing cases/ projectiles… I dunno.  You should try it.

Except for the fact I don't own a 3d printer, I would

Justsomedude

GrapeApe said:

bullsi1911 said:

X-Ring still sells the rubber bullets that you can load in a regular case that you drill out the flash hole on.  I have them in .44 and .38, and they work great.

as for printing cases/ projectiles… I dunno.  You should try it.

Except for the fact I don't own a 3d printer, I would

$189 on Amazon at the moment and it'll do ALOT.

Tugar

I thought about gettings a 3d printer. Would let me make a set of picatinny peep rear and front post for the PC Carbine and PC
Charger. Offset even so I can use those or optics. 

plus I have a few 3D models that I created I'd like to print off as well. These two for starters. Plus my phasers.