Anyone here not only done reloading but have cast your own bullets before? thinking about maybe starting a setup for the more obsolete rounds I shoot, wanted to get some input.
Reloading: Cast Bullets
- Thread starter brianhoberg
- Start date
Yes in 44 mag. 45-70, 38spl, and 45 acp. Not hard to do. Just need a good source of lead (hard cast) and some dies.
If you decide to do it, get a melting pot with bottom-pour capabilities. It's a whole lot easier - and you get fewer 'rejects' - than using a traditional ladle.
...And make friends with a local tire place - for the wheel weights.
Cheers
...And make friends with a local tire place - for the wheel weights.
Cheers
All good suggestions. With cast bullets, I know there is a process where once you pour them you have to size them or lubricate them but do all cast bullets need a gas check as well to avoid the heat from leading the barrel? Or, is there really no effect on cast versus copper jacketed bullets?
Gas checks are usually reserved for higher velocity use, most rifle designs use them but only a few pistol bullets. My 45 Colt loads don't use them but I used to have a die that dropped a gas checked 380 grain flat point for the 45-70. Shot one deer with that one, needless to say it went right through. You can get a Lee push through die that will screw right into your reloading press and size, lube and seat gas checks in one step. It's a good way to produce limited quantities for an obsolete rifle for example but would get old if you shoot hundred of pistol rounds a month. Cheap way to try casting and see if you like it before investing in a fancier lubri-sizer.
I cast for .45acp, .38spl, and .357/.41/.44 magnums. I started a few yrs ago when jacketed heads went up in price.
For loads moving 1,000 fps and under wheel weights are fine. I had problems w/ the magnums when pushed over this velocity. Barrel leading.
If you plan on 1,000 + fps, try to find linotype at a local scrap metal shop. Linotype is a hard lead used in printing shops. Almost all my molds are Lyman. I like the Elmer Keith style smc w/ out a gas check. I've gotten outstanding accuracy out to 100 yds with the magnums froma bench.
Good luck, jason
For loads moving 1,000 fps and under wheel weights are fine. I had problems w/ the magnums when pushed over this velocity. Barrel leading.
If you plan on 1,000 + fps, try to find linotype at a local scrap metal shop. Linotype is a hard lead used in printing shops. Almost all my molds are Lyman. I like the Elmer Keith style smc w/ out a gas check. I've gotten outstanding accuracy out to 100 yds with the magnums froma bench.
Good luck, jason
The fit of the bullet to the cylinder throats is a key, and often overlooked, issue to avoiding leading. A few gunsmiths offer the service of honing your cylinder throats to a consistent size, many are undersized from the factory. Here is a good write up describing the issues, http://www.alphaprecisioninc.com/revolver/default.htm
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Andrew Homan said:
Negative sir, have 1/2 the parts needed. Waiting on some molds and then gonna try it out. Found a guy on craigslist that I bought a boatload (3000+ cases) of .223 from and he had about 10lbs of scuba lead weights he was going to throw out that he gave me. Not sure how hard they will be on the Brinell so I may need to add some linotype to it, which will be another mission for me to find some.
-Brian
Like it was said before, wheel weights work great.
I'll try and score you some .223 brass. I have a source
I'll try and score you some .223 brass. I have a source
Man, I'll take all of it that I can getAndrew Homan said:Like it was said before, wheel weights work great.
I'll try and score you some .223 brass. I have a source
Hate to revive a dead thread but did you ever set up casting? I was thinking about doing it for 9mm to run through an xdm and block 19. I've read about leading the barrels and really not sure if its really worth the hassle since projectiles are still available pretty easily.
Lee, for 9mm I wouldn't bother with casting.
Lyman's Cast Bullet Handbook is a good reference work for those looking to start casting.
Lyman's Cast Bullet Handbook is a good reference work for those looking to start casting.
I am thinking the same. I don't shoot enough oddball rounds other than 257 roberts to justify it.