Author Topic: Did I order the right mold?  (Read 663 times)

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Offline dubber123

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Did I order the right mold?
« on: July 03, 2006, 07:06:06 AM »
Veral, I just mailed in an order for a mold for my short 50-70 Contender.  I ordered a .513" WFN in plain base 440 gr weight.  This weight is only 5 grains from the mold I have been using.  If the crimp to base measurement is the same, I should be in the ballpark using my old powder charge, right?  My velocities run about 870 fps., will this style bullet stabilize well at these speeds?  The twist is 1 in 26" and I have fired 500+ grainers that shot very well, so I am guessing I have enough twist.  If anything about my choice is contrary to your experience, I will change my order.  Thanks.

Offline Veral

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Re: Did I order the right mold?
« Reply #1 on: July 04, 2006, 05:37:01 PM »
440 gr in 50 caliber is very easy to stabilize.  LBT bullets are shorter than most molds by other moldmakers, so if the crimp groove is the same as your old bullet, measuring from nose to crimp, providing my bullet is indeed shorter than your previous mold, your old powder charge will yield lower pressure, and probably lower velocity.  If you have been using most any other brand of bullet lubricant, and are switching to LBT lubricant, speeds will probably be higher and pressures even lower.  Which means up the charge to get the speed you want, or if you want power, up the charge to match pressures of the old bullet/lube/charge.  It is quite common to get 100 fps higher velocity at equal pressure with loads of this low power level,  and up to 300 fps with magnum handguns.
Veral Smith