Field Target Tech #24 Explaining Ogive &Pellet Swaging Process

In this video I briefly explain Ogive, and show the swaging process. Excuse my artwork, or lack thereof. Ogive is related to the diameter of the pellet, not length. I believe I misstated that once or twice in the video. I apologize for the close ups or lack thereof, of the finished pellets, particularly the one that was hydro locked, I thought I was in the camera's view, was a little bit too low. Despite this, I hope all of you enjoy this video, and find it informative
Tom Holland

[@ajarnmichael1]

Thanks for posting this. The video answers most of my questions on swaging pellets.

[@XM913CG]

An ogive (/ˈoʊdʒaɪv/ OH-jive) is the roundly tapered end of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional object. Ogive curves and surfaces are used in engineering, architecture and woodworking.

[@rachels209]

Thank you Tom for showing the process close up of the Corbin press making exactly what I wanted to see being made. Most KZbin clips show how to swage copper cased projectiles, but slugs are exactly what I’m interested in. I’m sure you understand that individuals like myself want as much info on the subject before selling a kidney or firstborn to fund such a set up. But if the results are as good as you claim, then it maybe a wise investment. 25 cal pellets are quite pricey by the time they reach my front door, and I’ve always enjoyed rolling my own.

[@catherineharris4746]

100%FACTS!👍👍👍

[@brynybach7741]

Thank you for the explanation of Ogive. I never new that so thank you. As they say, every day is a school day. 😃👍

[@ronanderson48]

Great video, thank you so much, I am brand new at this and you helped alot Tom!

[@slowturtle6745]

Very informative, thanks for putting this up.

[@sniperxbow60]

You're welcome. When I get the additional dies and punches, I'll put another one out.

[@dark30welderwelding11]

Thank you and thank you for your time making this video.

[@rondolinar]

Never knew this. Excellent video. Thank you.

[@zippyholland3001]

Thank you ☺️ Most informative 👍

[@richardhammond1157]

great informative video. I really enjoyed it. Thanks : )

[@catherineharris4746]

I was finally able to get my press and dies ordered the other day! I'm so excited!😂💥🌟🌟👍👍👍

[@ricardosmith6479]

Great video!

[@andersgrassman6583]

Cool process! First time I've seen it. And never mind if possibly you used the wrong words - I certainly understood that the relationship referred to the diameter. Also interesting new knowlidge to me.

[@stephangronau1082]

Awesome very informative

[@dangolwinner]

Great video and good information! I’m about to purchase this set up but with the die for the hollow core slug. Do you have any experience with those dies?

[@sniperxbow60]

Dang.ol.winner, I have the standard hollowpoint nose punch for all of my dies. It only puts a hollow at the nose of the point about 1/32" in diameter, and about 3/16" deep. With these, the hollow is rather small, due to only .1775 pellet diameter. I'm not sure if it is the same as you described. If it is different, then I have no experience with that particular die. What I show in the video is typical for all of my dies. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@youngsmith5647]

nice video ,sir , thanks for sharing this is really cool dies for slug making ，

[@wissammhd1293]

Loved your video. Subscribed

[@sniperxbow60]

Glad you liked it, much more content and stuff coming up in the future

[@mauricejohns3635]

Thanks for the reply. Another question for you. I'm looking at getting this starters package the Kit-1S. Its supposed to have everything in it. Witch kit did you get? I'm really am looking for a or the Kit that have the smooth sided slugs. Did yours come with that or did you have to order that separate, and will it come with the FX still dies or is that separate too? And why is there website so hard to navigate LOL

[@sniperxbow60]

I ordered it with what you said, and that was it. It was made with the precision that I wanted. You need to be 100% sure that the size you wanted is the size you need.

[@bowhunter2492]

Can you adjust the cup depth on the back of the pellet

[@airgunsofidaho4886]

Are you using the Corbin press? Or can you use a different press for the diy.

[@sniperxbow60]

I am using the Corbin press, but the dies I am using can only be used on a Corbin press. You can make semiwadcutters with a standard reloading press, but involves 2 steps, it's not as precise, and much more difficult as far as effort is concerned. The Corbin press, as expensive as it is, is much more efficient and effortless.

[@mauricejohns3635]

Can these dyes or molds be used in a regular regular reloading press maybe a Hornady or leave or RCBS press? Or will they only work and a Corbin style press

[@sniperxbow60]

These particular dies will only fit Corbin swaging equipment. They can make dies for regular reloading presses, but there is an extra step involved. Also, a Corbin press has a greater mechanical advantage over a standard reloading press. This same process in a reloading press is much more difficult, taking much more time and more physical effort

[@catherineharris4746]

Simply outstanding Sir! I had to revisit your very educational channel to suck up some more valuable information! I tried ordering a kit from Corbin but their lead time is 6 to 10 month's out😞 If you come across someone that wants to sell their swaging kit, please let me know and I'll look out for you very well Sir, thanks👍👍👍

[@sniperxbow60]

Catherine, if you are interested in swaging your own slugs, at a fraction of Corbins price and long wait times, check out GMI Engineering. They also have a Facebook page, GMI Swaging. The process is slower, several steps are involved, but the end product is superb. You can get 2 different dies for the same price as one Corbin die. Check them out

[@catherineharris4746]

@@sniperxbow60 Oh wow, thanks👍

[@nsboost]

@@sniperxbow60 I couldn’t do it. It takes a lot of time to swage a bunch of slugs on the Corbin… even when your in a grove. Adding more steps and making it slower would suck 😂 It’s plenty fast for personal.. but swaging slugs to sell is almost pointless! But I’d like to see a return on my investment too lol

[@sniperxbow60]

@@nsboost yes, you are correct. I've spoke to GMI, and I have 2 traditional diabolo pellet swaging molds in the works. Corbin press is great for slugs, but a traditional pellet cannot be made. To make pellets with a skirt, considering pellets are hard to come by these days, I'll take the extra steps to create enough pellets to make it through a weekend 2 day match. These would be for personal use only, too slow of a process for selling.

[@karlscraft6631]

Nice... Auto subscribe

[@sojusliimtdflock]

Where can I find 30cal. dies for the corbin s-press... Also where do I find lead wire that meets the correct size for 30cal pellets...

[@sniperxbow60]

SOJUSLIM, I get all of my dies and supplies direct from Corbin. They make all sizes, according to your specifications. Only slugs (bullets) can be made, a traditional diabolo skirted pellet design cannot be made with Corbin equipment.

[@PeakyBlinder]

Nice vid, How deep you you set the hollow point pin hole ?

[@sniperxbow60]

The depth of the hollowpoint punch is fixed, it's determined by the diemaker, it's not adjustable. This hollowpoint is about 3/16 of an inch deep

[@PeakyBlinder]

@@sniperxbow60 ah ok, Tanks for the reply.

[@PeakyBlinder]

@@sniperxbow60 I was curious as the way I see it if you could set the pin depth then.a deeper hollow point would mean less lead so you could then make.a longer more stable slug,

[@josephsaucedo8691]

How and where can you buy the set up to start making slugs I did see it in the discription thanks for your time and reply. Great video 👌👍✌️

[@sniperxbow60]

Joseph, all of the equipment, including the lead wire are all purchased from Corbins, they are based in Oregon. The setup as you see with one set of dies, and full set of base punches, with wire is around $2000

[@josephsaucedo8691]

@@sniperxbow60 thanks I seen a lot more videos of yours and can't wait for more I'll be giving Corbin a call after I research a little more. Price is not to bad. Great stuff from a great shooter.👍👌✌️

[@redgum1340]

Interested about the bleed hole. Can you measure the thickness of the waste lead coming through the bleed hole? I'm actually interested in the size of the bleed hole in your mold. Many thanks

[@sniperxbow60]

I will measure the lead from the bleed hole in a day or two, in process of moving, bit of chaos. I can tell you that Dave Corbin will reccomend the bleed hole size, depending upon how the nose will form of a given caliber,.........or not. My first set of dies had to be sent back, because the bleed hole was too large, and the lead did not flow properly in order to build up pressure to make a perfect nose. Different calibers will also require/need different size bleed holes in order for the lead to flow properly when compressed. I'll take a measurement and get back to you.

[@redgum1340]

@@sniperxbow60 Still waiting for your reply on the bleed hole for a .22 slug

[@sniperxbow60]

@Redgum I do not have any dies for a .22 slug. Sorry about not getting back to you, still in moving process. The bleed hole that I do have for my .177 slugs is just around 40 thousandths of an inch.

[@Sertao2013]

In field target matchs can you use a slug shape pellet thats more like a bullet that spins instead of a Diablo shape .

[@sniperxbow60]

Steve, yes you can, there is no rule against it. I am searching for a nose shape and a base shape combination that would work for this purpose. I've come close, but still need to work to refine a slug that is accurate enough for Field Target precision. Slugs generally do not like slower speeds that make regular diabolo pellets shoot well.

[@Sertao2013]

@@sniperxbow60 @Field Target Tech Channel In the US the extreme bench rest competition they still are not allowing home made pellets . They have to be factory made . Before the new rule was applied a few shooter brought their home made pellets and they came in 1st 2nd and 3rd place . The losers got mad because all they had the the factory tins so the people in charge made the new rule of the factory pellets only . so it goes to show that making your own pellets really makes a big difference . The winners all used the H.M. Hem swaging molds . If you don't believe me look at the 2nd rule it reads No solid slugs or cast bullets allowed (mass production diabolo pellets only) . They are really dumbing down the sport . If you're willing to put in the time to make a good pellet that shoots the best out of your gun to get the best accuracy it should be allowed . It makes all the shooter to step up there game if they want to win . Its a sad rule for the sport .

[@sniperxbow60]

@@Sertao2013 , Yes, you are correct. In the US, AAFTA (American Airgun Field Target Association) has also banned slugs in US competition for Field Target, when WFTF (World Field Target Federation) allows their use by definition. Banning It's use was not determined by an accuracy standpoint, but a bogus safety reason. Our AAFTA rules state that all Field Targets MUST withstand 20 ft.lbs MUZZLE velocity. Their stance was that slugs would do too much damage to the targets down range. 20 ft.lbs is 20 ft.lbs. Muzzle. At 10 yards it's less, and at 55 yards it's even less yet. To say that slugs would do too much damage to the targets, would be a false statement. They also stated a false safety reason, in that, being a slug, would travel so much farther after impact with the target,, would cause a greater risk of damaging something past the Target. If they are worried about a slug damaging something past the Target, then they shouldn't be shooting ANYTHING at all, even pellets. In the fall, I will be doing ballistic testing of all kinds, and will prove that slugs are just as safe as pellets, hopefully reversing that rule. I feel and hear what you are saying.

[@Sertao2013]

@@sniperxbow60 The goal in air guns should be to have a projectile that fly's best out of your gun as long as it 's within the fpe set in the rules . The shape and size should be left up to the shooter . If a shooter can figure out how to make his pellet or slug go in the same hole between 10 to 55 yards he should be allowed to use it . Putting restrictions on shapes is just hurting the sport . The reason the home made pellets was to try to make it fair for everyone and have a level playing filed was their reason . When you limit a sport to factory made pellets your not doing the sport justice. If your not willing to go the extra mile to find or make a pellet that is best for you gun then whats the use . Its dumbing down the sport and it needs to change . Why not just give everyone a trophy to every one that shows up ? That would be fair to everyone . I think here in America we are becoming a bunch of snowflakes instead of shooters .

[@Scarekrow24]

As costly as this setup is, how long would it take to save money over buying high end pellets? Or is this just for person who like to tinker?

[@sniperxbow60]

Kevin, my main goal for this endeavor is to make slugs for Field Target competition, under 12ftlb. All brands of diabolo pellets need to be weighed, head sized, inspected for flaws. Takes a lot of time. In order to get 300 perfect pellets for a weekend Grand Prix match. Probably about 8-10 hours of sorting. With slugs, if they group well enough, there is no sorting needed, because they all come from the same die. So, saving money isn't really my main concern, my goal is uniform perfection

[@Scarekrow24]

@@sniperxbow60 in that light setup isn't that costly then lol, I know some of those guys shooting BR powder burners spend way more than that. It does sound like a lot of fun though. I doubt they have any competition near me that gets that deep into it.

[@mistergrendel32]

Cool video! Corbin core swaging dies generally have 3 bleed holes. You might check with Corbin as to why yours just has 1. 🤔

[@sniperxbow60]

McGrendel, these dies are unique to .177 airgun slugs. I have these dies, as you have seen in the video, and they do have only 1 bleed hole. I also have semi wadcutter dies, which are considerably smaller, and they have 2 bleed holes. Larger core swages require more bleed holes due to the pressure to form the nose properly. My semi wadcutter die could use only 1 bleed hole, as I found that with 2 bleed holes, the nose sometimes does not get formed properly. According to Dave Corbin, it's all about achieving the proper pressure in order to make the lead flow properly.

[@mistergrendel32]

@@sniperxbow60 Roger that. 🤓

[@airgunsofidaho4886]

What's up tom. Is it possible to get a bigger hollow point punch.

[@sniperxbow60]

The punch that I use, is one of the larger hollows for a .177. Nielson slugs have a slightly larger hollowpoint cavity, but there is a price. That price is a slight reduction of BC. If you compare a Neilson slug with mine, you'll notice that mine is a little more streamlined. The Nielson cavity is slightly larger, but the slugs nose has a large flat around the hollowpoint cavity, while mine does not. It was recommended by the die maker (Corbin) that i go no larger than what I have now. He even tried to talk me out of the punch I'm using, for a smaller one.

[@airgunsofidaho4886]

@@sniperxbow60 I was thinking maybe a bigger or deeper hollow point would work better. Maybe be moving most of the weight back and having a longer slug for it's weight. The slug could have a higher B.C. Do you know why NSA makes all there .177 slug with a dish base. I ordered some of the new 20.5 nsa in .177. They should be here Monday. Im thinking of comparing them to your 20 gn slugs and the 19.5gn vk slugs. I learned a few things from testing the .177 slugs in clear ballistic gel.

[@sniperxbow60]

Don't know why they do a dish Base, that's the only base punch i still have to get. I would guess that my 21 grain slugs might be comparable to the 20.5 Nielsons, but the only way would be to shoot them. Keep in mind that Nielsons are .1780 in diameter, and mine are .1775.

[@airgunsofidaho4886]

@@sniperxbow60my theory is that the dish base or cup base slugs. might be easier to stabilized from a standard air gun barrel. From the .177 slugs testing i done. I found that the dish base slugs or cup base slugs group better then the flat base slugs at close distance. The flat base slugs kept there group size down range while the dish and cup base slugs opened up the group size. I was testing the .1770 not the .1775 or the .1780. I would need to test more slugs with different diameters and different bases to prove my theory. On the strelok Pro app I been using. All the slugs from NSA have a BC. You just choose the slug you are using and the bc is shown. The slugs with a dish base have a higher b.c then the slugs with a flat base.

[@airgunsofidaho4886]

@@sniperxbow60 I'll let you know how the different slugs do. When I get to test them.

[@airgunsofidaho4886]

Are you making any slugs with one ogive or 1.5 ogive.

[@sniperxbow60]

Soda can, I only have the capability of 1/2 ogive, which is half round, 3/4 ogive, and 2S ogive. 2S ogive is currently the most popular with most of the larger manufacturers. I have plans for more shapes in the future, but not for a while.

[@airgunsofidaho4886]

@@sniperxbow60 would you be able to make me some slugs with a solid nose flat base and a length of .3300 or .3400

[@sniperxbow60]

Soda can, yes. If you go onto my website, and send me an email, we can figure out the details.

[@sniperxbow60]

Fieldtargettech.com

[@airgunsofidaho4886]

@@sniperxbow60 ok cool ill do that tomorrow.

[@AndrewSmith-qj5zv]

Can you make 50 cal. Copper bullets with a hand press?

[@sniperxbow60]

I wouldn't think so, but that would be a question for Dave Corbin, the owner of Corbin. You probably could, but it would have to be copper jacketed, around a lead core. Swaging flows the lead out of bleed holes, as I showed in the video. Copper cannot flow in this manner. If it is possible, there would be several dies involved, along with a different process. Larger caliber projectiles would most likely need Corbins Hydro hydraulic press to complete the task, the press I use would not be suitable

[@AndrewSmith-qj5zv]

@@sniperxbow60 thanks for the reply.

[@sniperdm]

Berapa harga cetakan ini pak

[@alexbrunes6741]

Hello, please give me the drawings of this mold (machine) thanks in advance

[@g-mc4507]

Inline fabrication mount would greatly improved that press. If Dan doesn't already make one for the Corbin, he can . Just send him an email.

[@sniperxbow60]

G-Mc, What would an online fabrication mount do? I'm not quite sure I know what that is, or how it would work. I have lathe and some simple milling skills, plus i have a good friend who is a professional machinist.

[@g-mc4507]

@@sniperxbow60 Hey Tom. Most reloaders mount our equipment like press, swagers and just about every thing you can think of to their mounts. They come in different heights and gives it a solid platform with little flex. You can trace the bolt pattern and send it and they'll make you a plate. inlinefabrication.com/

[@sniperxbow60]

@@g-mc4507 , I'm afraid I'm not familiar with your products, or what they do. Can you elaborate on your equipment?

[@NoobGames3]

Where can I buy a device like this in 5.5 .217 18gr?

[@sniperxbow60]

All of this equipment was purchased from Corbins, they are based in Oregon, USA

[@NoobGames3]

@@sniperxbow60 thank you very much for the information. Just let me know one more thing, do the slugs get burrs on your skirts or are they perfect?

[@sniperxbow60]

@@NoobGames3 there are no skirts on these, just a flat base, cupped base, or rebared boat tail. The slugs that I made in this video are flat base, does not have any burrs attached to the slug, however, there is some residual flakes that stick to the slug after the swaging process. A quick wash in soapy water will get them off.

[@NoobGames3]

@@sniperxbow60 Thank you for the informations.

[@NoobGames3]

@@sniperxbow60 I tried to make the purchase on Corbin's website but they are not shipping to Brazil. I am very interested in making the slugs and selling them in cans here.

[@jeremy87turbo87]

What would the cost be to start making 22

[@sniperxbow60]

Jeremy, I currently do not even own a .22, so for me that wouldn't be in the cards. In order for me to make .22 caliber on my current setup, it would require a new die, new lead wire, and new wire cutting die. These would run just short of $1000, for me would be cost prohibitive. If someone were to get everything they needed to tackle that endeavor, it would be close to $2000 for complete equipment.

[@jeremy87turbo87]

@@sniperxbow60 what I'm asking is how much would it cost somebody to get into it making .22 to buy all of it

[@sniperxbow60]

Jeremy, Everything delivered is around $2000, depending upon how much lead wire you get. The press is about $800, the wire cutter is $70, a single die is $485, which includes 1 base punch of your choice. If you want all possible base punches, add another $600. The lead can be bought by the spool ($50 each), if you buy 4, it is $180. Also swaging lube $16 for 2 jars. Bottom line, to get started with 40 pounds of lead is around the $2200 realm

[@jeremy87turbo87]

@@sniperxbow60 ok ty

[@ramvan2284]

appreciate the video, but a bummer I cant see what is in your hand when talking about the swaged pellet

[@sniperxbow60]

Razvan, I DO apologize for that, I'm definitely not a cinematographer. I'm in the process of moving right now, once I get established in a permanent place, I'll definitely film this at a higher level. Hope you enjoyed the video, and you got some information about and from it. Thanks for watching my videos.

[@ramvan2284]

@@sniperxbow60 I did like the video. Question: On the T Robb video, can you tell me more about that straw thing and how you used it to calibrate the T Robb? More specifically, how do you know what length to cut it? (sorry, got my vids crossed on this question)

[@sniperxbow60]

@@ramvan2284 , What I did, was find a pellet that was a measured 4.52 in my Pelletgage measuring device. As I said in that video, I cut the skirt off, because I'm only concerned with the head of the pellet. I took the adjustment screw of the TR Robb sizer, and backed it all (or most of the way) out. I glued the straw to the head of the pellet, ( actually, just behind the head), and dropped it in. When the pellet head stops on it's own, due to gravity, I cut the straw off flush with the top of the die. I then placed the top of the die onto the board. I then slowly adjusted the screw, until I felt resistance, but not moving the pellet head. This is now adjusted properly, for future pellets going into the die.

[@ramvan2284]

@@sniperxbow60 Ahhhh, now I get it. Thanks again sir. Headed into Extreme Benchrest next week and no time like the present to use this TRobb. You are the man. Peace on you

[@NurdiansyahZepatta]

I can't see 😭

[@quexa9524]

How much is it ?

[@sniperxbow60]

Que, It's about $2200 for everything, more if you want a decent supply of lead wire. All current prices can be found on the Corbin swaging website.

[@quexa9524]

Field Target Tech Channel Thanks you

[@airgunlr5807]

if you watched the video yourself you can see that it's not showing any of the slug the part when it shows cuts off

[@sniperxbow60]

Yeah, I know....a cinematographer I am not. Have new media equipment, be better next time. If you go to my website, Fieldtargettech.com, the pictures that I have posted show the final result in detail. Thanks for watching.

[@airgunlr5807]

@@sniperxbow60 okay my friend thanks

[@Rico11b]

I know it is spelled "Ogive", but isn't it pronounced as Ojive instead of ogive??

[@sniperxbow60]

You are correct, the American pronunciation is as you said. Being most of my family is Irish, they pronounce it the way I do....guess it depends on where you're from....

[@andersgrassman6583]

;-)

[@icuppu2]

Same with Giga as in GigaHertz, it is properly pronounced as "Jiga"Hertz. It's interesting how pronunciation change as the words travel throughout different cultures, times and places. When Tom was pronunciation it as "Ogive", I would crinch, but I guess I have to get used to people mispronouncing it. Now I think its funny, but I still pronounce it the proper way "Ojive" and "Jiga"Hertz.

[@henryjones4447]

To menkeyman and all others amused by this side discussion on pronunciation: I respectfully stick with Oxford Dictionary and all my professional colleagues who pronounce a bunch of cycles per second as Gigahertz. Have a nice day.

[@Nvrre]

Sadly we can't see the pellets in your hand when you're showing.

[@sniperxbow60]

Navarre, I'm definitely not a cinematographer.......but, I'm slowly learning!!!!

[@Nvrre]

@@sniperxbow60 The video was awesome and super informative. I really want to get into swaging my own pellets and slugs for my .25 FX Maverick. It's becoming very difficult to find projectiles for my rifle. Pretty much everywhere is sold out. I'm probably going to make a trip down to Corbin's location in White City, Oregon. I'm in the Central Valley so it's only about 4.5 hours or so south.

[@mistergrendel32]

Your press should have come with a tray with a hole in the center that fits over the die to collect the lead that is extruded from the die? The process is called swaging as in aging. 🤓

[@sniperxbow60]

Yeah, I know........it's just that the tray gets in the way when doing a lot of them, plus I change dies a lot. I found that I can clean up the lead bleed off a lot quicker without it.

[@212caboose]

Great vid!! But it's pronounced "O-JIVE"... I know it's spelled "ogive", but it's pronounced "O-JIVE".

[@michaelbrown343]

Swage, bro, Swage! Long A sound like age. Not swaj, like vag...

[@michaelbrown343]

And for what it's worth the way to pronounce ogive sounds like "oh jive".

[@davidboldon8764]

Very good info. Just a little too much useless info

[@tinawaugh6529]

That’s not hollow point buddy, the hollow point is made with two dies not one. Your using point forming point. To make hollow point you have to have two dies, go do so research

[@sniperxbow60]

This is a hollowpoint, the die is a point forming die. The hollowpoint punch is on the bottom of this die, and the base punch is on the top. The only adjustable part of the die is the base part. If you look at my website fieldtargettech.com, you can see better pictures of the hollowpoint nose.