Proof house testing and loads

[Fabnosh]

Hello

There have been a few threads about proofing and proof houses. Most shooting folk know about them and what they do but I’ve always wondered how they do it, how much overpressure proof loads are and where do they get them from.

Just curious, so any information from the gathered SD knowledge bank will be gratefully received.

Thanks

FN

 

[8x57]

When this covid business is settled why not get some mates together and arrange a visit to the proof house. I did this some years ago and it was a most interesting and informative couple of hours.

 

[palmer_mike]

Think generally speaking proof loads are roughly 1.25 times maximum pressure of the chambering being proofed.

Either the proof house load the rounds themselves or have them loaded for them to order

 

[Fabnosh]

That’s a great idea - had no idea that was an option. I’ll be doing that. Thanks for the suggestion.

I’m guessing you know the answer to my questions then ? Oh, you tease.

FN

 

[samdk]

Hello

There have been a few threads about proofing and proof houses. Most shooting folk know about them and what they do but I’ve always wondered how they do it, how much overpressure proof loads are and where do they get them from.

Just curious, so any information from the gathered SD knowledge bank will be gratefully received.

Thanks

FN

I believe it’s one round 5% over max pressure and one 10% over max but I could be wrong!

Sam

 

[8x57]

That’s a great idea - had no idea that was an option. I’ll be doing that. Thanks for the suggestion.

I’m guessing you know the answer to my questions then ? Oh, you tease.

FN

I put my hands up and have to say that I can't remember and that without looking it up I would just be guessing.
I was most impressed by their collection of loading dies though as they load their own test rounds for the less common cartridges. The run of the mill cartridges which the majority of the guns tested will be are done using proof ammunition manufactured for them and bought in.

 

[deeangeo]

When this covid business is settled why not get some mates together and arrange a visit to the proof house. I did this some years ago and it was a most interesting and informative couple of hours.

Yup, went to Birmingham Proof House three years ago with a few friends.
Definitely a very interesting couple of hours.
They have hundreds of die sets for reloading ammunition.
They will also pressure & chrono your own ammunition... (For a fee) though I personally don’t believe the data is useful because they use their own barrels & your cartridges need to be within SAAMI dimensions.

 

[bfltd0]

Although you probably won't get the extent of the detail you are asking for (such as the actual overpressure per cartridge), you can get some useful background info from the following websites:

The CIP

Homepage | Drupal

cip-bobp.org

London Proof House

London Proof House | Worshipful Company of Gunmakers

The world's oldest Proof House, continuously testing military and civilian firearms for safety. Run by the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers.

www.gunmakers.org.uk

Birmingham Proof House

Firearms & Ammunition Testing | Birmingham Proof House

Birmingham Proof House is at the forefront of international standards for the testing of firearms and ammunition. Want to know more? Contact us today.

www.gunproof.com

As suggested, once you are allowed to, try to get on a tour at Birmingham. They have an excellent museum as well.

There are also some interesting vids on Youtube - just search Proof House or Gun Proofing or a variation thereof.

 

[8x57]

Yup, went to Birmingham Proof House three years ago with a few friends.
Definitely a very interesting couple of hours.
They have hundreds of die sets for reloading ammunition.
They will also pressure & chrono your own ammunition... (For a fee) though I personally don’t believe the data is useful because they use their own barrels & your cartridges need to be within SAAMI dimensions.

Wouldn't that be CIP not SAAMI?

 

[deeangeo]

Wouldn't that be CIP not SAAMI?

Likely, forgot about CIP though... Getting old!

 

[sikadog]

When my 338-06 went for proof I had to send them some cases, they did not have and dies for it or cases.