Author Topic: want to start reloading cast bullets  (Read 1037 times)

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Offline superjay01

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want to start reloading cast bullets
« on: June 23, 2007, 03:58:50 PM »
Hello all, I need some information on loading cast bullets for pistols. I have been reloading pistol and rifle ammo for about 5 years, so I am somewhat experienced. My question is how big of a difference is there with loading cast bullets vs jacketed bullets. If I could get the run down on how to reload them that would be great.
Chance favors the prepared mind

Offline DWTim

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Re: want to start reloading cast bullets
« Reply #1 on: June 23, 2007, 05:03:21 PM »
Lead bullets cost less, and in some cases offer better velocity with low-pressure calibers. They are also messier to work with because of the lube and the possibility of gas blow-by leaving lead deposits in the barrel. There are different alloys and production methods that result in lead bullets of different hardness.

What kind of pistol? Is it a Glock or a H&K?

Offline superjay01

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Re: want to start reloading cast bullets
« Reply #2 on: June 24, 2007, 03:01:13 AM »
Well it's going to be for a lot of different types Kimber, Glock(have aftermarket barrel for it), Smith & Wesson, Sig, and a Ruger.
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Offline DWTim

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Re: want to start reloading cast bullets
« Reply #3 on: June 24, 2007, 05:52:29 AM »
Well, I would stick with one gun for the purposes of testing.

Since you've been reloading for a while, I don't think you'll find that it is that much different. If you have not already done so, get a loading manual with a decent amount of cast bullet data in it, like Lyman's 48th. There are a whole bunch of fast or medium burning-rate propellants that will work, and that you may already be using: Unique, Bullseye, Titegroup, Winchester 231, Accurate #5, and the like.

It will probably be easier to find softer swaged lead bullets from manufacturers like Speer and Hornday. I'm not a big fan of those painted lead bullets, as I like to call them, but they have their place in low-velocity loads. (Some indoor ranges don't like excessively smokey rounds caused by traditional bullet lubes, so I have some on hand to suit the situation.)

GBO sponsor Midsouth Shooter's Supply carries both the swaged lead and some hard cast made by Magnus. Cast Performance is the most common brand I see up in here in the Northeast, so chances are pretty good you'll be able to find them wherever you are. Laser-cast is another popular brand, but regardless of what you may read, their lead isn't any better than the next guy's.

My general advice is to pick a bullet style that is listed in your manual, and purchase a small amount (say, 100) of that type of bullet for testing. You'll have an easier time loading bevel-base cast bullets in rimless pistol cases, where you should not flare the case mouth, as you can with a rimmed case meant for a revolver. A safe choice for a bullet style is a truncated-cone. Load it as you would load any jacketed round, but make sure you keep an eye out for lube building up in the die, and make sure the mouth of the case is free from lube or lead shavings (or anything that might impede the case mouth from touching the corresponding part of the gun's chamber). Taper crimp, like with your jacketed bullets.

When I am at the range with a new type of load, I will stop every 10-15 rounds and use my mini-Mag flashlight to look into the chamber and throat. If there is progressive accumulation of lead, something isn't right. Some light leading is to be expected. So far, none of my cast bullet loads have left any noticeable lead in my pistol's barrel (S&W 4506). I load 10 rounds for testing completely new components, and shoot 50 to get an idea about leading.

I have read that Sig's can be pretty tight in the barrel area, but I don't own one, so I can't test. Lead bullets are generally sized .001" larger than their jacketed counterparts. I would definitely test to see that your test rounds completely chamber before attempting to shoot them downrange. I take the barrel out of the gun to do it, then I can get a good eyeball on the case head support, too. I realize that this may not be as easy to do as it is with my Smith, but the idea is not to chamber a live round in a completely assembled hand gun.

Are there any specific questions you have?

Offline superjay01

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Re: want to start reloading cast bullets
« Reply #4 on: June 24, 2007, 04:11:52 PM »
no questions right now, thanks for all the great info, I'll be putting it to good use soon.
Chance favors the prepared mind

Offline HEAD0001

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Re: want to start reloading cast bullets
« Reply #5 on: June 25, 2007, 09:01:29 AM »
It sounds like all your pistols are semi-autos?

If so-here are a few suggestions to get started with.  These suggestions should make things simple for you to get started with.

1.  Start with a full wad cutter design bullet.  They are easy to load, shoot well, and easy to crimp.

2.  Make sure all your brass is uniform in length-this is a good idea for jacketed also, but IMO it is crucial in cast bullets.

3.  Buy the Lyman M Die.  It is an expanding die-kind of like a belling die, but IMO it is better.  It can be adjusted very easily, and in small increments.  Follow the instructions that come with the die.  You will always use this one.

4.  Buy a separate crimping die.  There are two types.  Roll crimp: most people prefer this type-especially for wad cutters.  Taper Crimp:  I prefer taper crimp, but I shoot big bore.

5.  Most important:  CAST YOUR OWN BULLETS.  It is a blast.  Buy a lead pot, a mould, a ladle, and pick up some lead(off the floor at the tire store).  JUST DO IT, you will not regret your decision to do this.  Tom.

Tom Chase  Passed away at his home on Wed Nov 23

RIP Tom.

Offline Alan4620

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Re: want to start reloading cast bullets
« Reply #6 on: July 04, 2007, 07:24:48 AM »
Casting can be almost as much fun as shooting especially during bad weather.It also adds another element to "your accuracy" in the reloading process.

Please make sure to follow all saftey precautions on equiptment. I also might add that any spoon or ladel be heated along with  the metal before use.Water and hot lead don't mix! :o
I found out the hard way that even condensation on a tea spoon will explode lead from a pot.
Lucky for me only my gloves and wall took most of it ,my washing machine had a workout later.  :P

Alan

Offline Dusty Miller

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Re: want to start reloading cast bullets
« Reply #7 on: July 04, 2007, 07:47:13 PM »
Yeah, casting is just loads of fun.  I'll be casting some 45 caliber bullets tomorrow, uh HOLD ON its gonna be 104F here in the Central Valley of the PRC, I just may put that off for a few days!! :D
When seconds mean life or death, the police are only minutes away!

Offline WILDCATT

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Re: want to start reloading cast bullets
« Reply #8 on: July 09, 2007, 11:39:26 AM »
WHAT PRESS DO YOU USE.opps.get Lee 4-20 and learn how to use it,LEE molds I like the 6 cavity,some trash the lee products but if you treat them right they work fine.and the sixes don"t need a hammer.I load alot of various cal.I am getting a new six cavity trun cone 9mm.my double modern bond disapeared.I would use bullseye for low to medium and unique or 2400 for heavy loads.get the cast bullet book[LYMAN].you might be able to shoot as cast with Lees lube.if not lee makes sizers inexpensive.get midsouthshooters.com cat and lees also.you might get lyman and rcbs and redding cat also.

Offline DWTim

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Re: want to start reloading cast bullets
« Reply #9 on: July 09, 2007, 02:39:53 PM »
WILDCATT, do you shoot the Lee 452-228-1R with Unique? Wondering how much you put under that bullet.

Offline wills

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Re: want to start reloading cast bullets
« Reply #10 on: July 09, 2007, 05:10:56 PM »
Hello all, I need some information on loading cast bullets for pistols. I have been reloading pistol and rifle ammo for about 5 years, so I am somewhat experienced. My question is how big of a difference is there with loading cast bullets vs jacketed bullets. If I could get the run down on how to reload them that would be great.
There is no point in BUYING cast boolits.  The whole idea is to cast them yourself.  Here is a whole website devoted to casting and shooting the boolits.  Lots of friendly people.  Register and ask questions.
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/index.php