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Bullet pen in 7.62x54R help needed.

flexi

Executive Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2014
Posts
6,159
Location
Maidstone
First Name
mark
I have done truck loads of 7.62x51......very easy to do, with little or no lathe work.
There are tutorials by Les Elm in the files section, but the basics are you need to fix a 7mm tube within the case.... So remove the primer from the cartridge base (make sure its fired, it needs a dimple in it) I used to use a small drill and pick it out with a screw(I now use a reloading press). Once out use this to center your 7mm drill bit, either in a collet chuck in the lathe or pen blank vice on the pillar drill. Next the tube, I wrap some masking tape around one end until its a snug fit in the cartridge mouth. Then I cut a 3mm glue groove into the tape and with Gorilla PU glue stick it in..... I don't fix the bottom of the tube( and have never had a problem, unlike when I used to). Once your glue is dry(overnight) trim back...... This will now take your 7mm kit fittings as per a normal blank.
If you want to get further technical, you can use real bullet heads which you drill out and remove the lead from to use as the nibs, :winking:IMG_20190215_182026.jpg
 

alpha1

Fellow
Joined
Mar 29, 2018
Posts
1,175
Location
middlesbrough
First Name
Dave
I was thinking of drilling the 7mm hole slightly undersize then using a 7mm reamer to cut a nice tight 7mm hole then pressing a 7mm tube in place using an arbor press until the tube is flush with the base of the case. Or do you have to have some of the tube sticking out. I will also be using the proper size bullets and drilling them out. Do you think that will work. Or have I got it totally wrong.:thinks:
 

flexi

Executive Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2014
Posts
6,159
Location
Maidstone
First Name
mark
Hi Dave, Yes you can use proper bullet heads and drill them out, that's what I do.... I use a reloading press to resize the case neck and hold the bullet tight, their are other options. If you use this method then you don't need the tube full stop, again what I do is to drill the base hole the correct size to take the twist mechanism generally 1/4"
 

alpha1

Fellow
Joined
Mar 29, 2018
Posts
1,175
Location
middlesbrough
First Name
Dave
Hi Mark I am a target rifle shooter. I have several reloading presses. I reload all my own ammunition. I have hundreds of bullets in all kinds of sizes and hundreds of brass cases in all sorts of different calibers to play with. I like the idea of not needing to use a tube.
I need to get in the shed and have a play.
 

flexi

Executive Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2014
Posts
6,159
Location
Maidstone
First Name
mark
Hi Dave, my background was as a pistol shooter who worked for an RFD, I needed to after all I was shooting:whistling:... Woody introduced me to the idea of bullet case pens..... Anything. 300 is relatively easy, issues come on case lengths but that can be gotten around... I have done. 223. 270,.303,.308,.308x39(russian),.3030,.3006,. 338 lapau, 470NE, 500NE,. 50BMG there might be others.... I use my press more now than when I was shooting.... But the new legislation might curtail all this soon.... :rant::rant:
 

Penpal

Grand Master
Joined
May 26, 2013
Posts
25,340
Location
Canberra AUSTRALIA
First Name
Peter
Thanks fellas I have also done my share of this modification using cartridges and bullets,I leave the lead in the bullets or choose solids.Then the ugly question is to go Army and leave the pens finish end up naturally or learn to powder coat etc,Les Elm is my Guru with this form of pen making. Unless you have good cotacts beware the real cost factor.Thanks Mark and Alpha et al.
:thumbs:
Peter.
 

Lons

Fellow
Joined
Dec 17, 2013
Posts
4,753
Location
Northumberland
First Name
Bob
My method of removing lead from the bullet, I do them in batches of maybe a dozen is drill deepish holes in an offcut of hardwood so the bullet sit snugly in the top point up then just heat with a normal blowtorch, the lead melts and drops into the hole, leaves the metal tarnished but simple to shine up, it's then very simple to use a fine drill bit and get the hole in the end perfectly central.
 
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