Lead hardness for 500S&W 440 grain castings

[26-t]

 How hard of lead alloy (what Brinell Hardness)do I need? For the 500S&W load of LIL GUN at 34 grains.I hope to get around 1500fs. I'm off to cast some now.I will check in later. Thanks       26-t        I'm back ,the alloy that I cast came in at 13.4 BHN,  strength is 19058 psi, for a max. chamber psi of 17152.       Is this to soft ?          26-t                                                                                                                 

[quickdtoo]

A lot depends on how the bullet fits the bore, you should slug it(FAQs), then size your cast bullets .002" larger than the groove diameter for the best results, a good smokeless bullet lube is also recommended.  Hodgdon lists 35gr Lil'gun as max for a 440gr gas checked bullet, 34gr is pretty warm for an unchecked bullet.

Tim

[26-t]

I will start at 30 grains of LIL -GUN and check performance. Thanks, Tim!!

[26-t]

First 5 shots at 30 grains were showing no sign of pressure .No fouling. Loaded 5 more and on my way out to see how it will group.  26-t

[cwlongshot]

I cast mine a bit on the hard side. maybe a 50/50 pure lead / Linotype mix. Then add a GC when sizing to 502. I like the vale of lil gun but accuracy is lacking.

I just got home form the range myself.

 I shot about 7 different loads for the 500. Most (4) where same as usual. I start with a half way decent group, then an unexplainable flyer....... Until I tried some H4227 powder with a 3000FTX bullet. These shot in a line about 3" long and 3/4" wide. Better!! The next load was the same powder, with a 385Rem HP. This one shot a very nice 2" round group for all ten shots!!!!

 The last load was a lite load with Trail Boss powder and my own cast 440WFNGC bullets. This shot about 18" high, so was MUCH lower velocity. Once I found my shots and got a good consistent aiming point, the remaining 6 bullets went onto a nice round 2" group. All shooting was at 50 yards. No chrono this trip.

Good luck with your loads!!!

CW

[26-t]

Clover leaf with H 110 ,but starting to foul at muzzel after 20 round . I think it is coming around. 26-t

[26-t]

Tim ,I slugged the bore and it measured at the chamber.488x.4995 and .4875x.500 at the crown. The bullet measured .502 major dia.. The LEE mold# is c501-440-rf. Is the (RF) in the code for rebated flat base? The base is rebated ,is this for a gas check? I did not think it was, but now I do not know for sure .     Thanks     26-t

[quickdtoo]

That's a gas checked bullet, I'd shoot it as cast if they're .502", but you'll want to install the gas check and lube it.

Tim

http://www.leeprecision.com/html/catalog/bullmol2.html

[26-t]

Next? Where do I get a 500 gas check? I live about a half hour from Graf and Sons Reloading, I hope they have them or can get some. Gas checks are new to me whats it take to install them? Thank's for the help!!   26-t

[OBXPilgrim]

Graf's will work-

Checks-
http://www.grafs.com/product/261040

Lee push through (cheapest way to get into DIY casting - it will seat your gas check as well)
http://www.grafs.com/product/261858

[26-t]

Thank's to all!! I will call Willy at Graf in the am.    26-t

[26-t]

 I got a set of LEE lube and size dies in .501 and 1000 Hornady gas checks today and that took care of the leading problem. I will shot for group size when the sun comes up in the AM. Thanks for the help Guy's. 26-t   

[dk17hmr]

I use 34.5gr of Lil' Gun with that bullet and get well past 1500FPS.  I cast them out of mostly wheel weights, for a hunting bullet I use 50/50 Pure/WW air cooled. But I seat it out a bit further.....I posted this here but cant seem to find it.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=47323&highlight=500

[26-t]

 Thanks.   dk17hmr for the link and advice. I have been seating to the 2 n'd groove like you have done with a good crimp. I loaded this batch w/33.5 g of Lil gun. I will touch some off after Church .Thanks 26-t

[26-t]

Here is how it shot today. 2 shot groups at 50 yards .Not to bad Thank's for the help!!!! 26-t                      I hope some pic's show up if not I will get them up soon.

[Swampman]

Good shooting it looks like the Nikon Prostaff is working well.