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Old 12-28-2016, 09:11 PM
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Default bullet lube

Getting a nice star shape at end of muzzle. Bullet lube in prefect circle on case at the mouth. Groups aren't panning out like I want. Powder heavy dose of 296 powder cast 250 grain bullet BHN not sure. Off for 5 days so I have time to play. Looking for groups under 1.5'' at 50 yards and trying for groups at 100 yards of 3'' or less off pistol rest or sand bags. And no I'm not using my S&W 629.
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Old 01-04-2017, 03:54 PM
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Remember that often times if not most of the time the heaviest loads aren't the most accurate loads and the higher the pressure the harder the alloy needed.
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Old 01-04-2017, 04:15 PM
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BUllet fit is king. What size bullets & what is the bore dia??? Try a larger dia bullet, see if accuracy doesn't improve. I can get 3" @ 100 with my RBHBH & 2x scope using 270gr LCP @ 1250fps.
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Old 01-04-2017, 05:47 PM
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We know what gun you're not using but you don't mention what caliber or gun you are using.

Getting the best accuracy isn't easy when using high pressure rounds and cast bullets. The cylinder and bore and bullet all have to be sized correctly along with using the correct BNH and Lube for the application.

I prefer mid-range loads and powder coated bullets - much easier to work with.
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Old 01-04-2017, 06:09 PM
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Bullet lube star is fine, but many other things can affect accuracy as mentioned by others. The bullet lube is usually a minor factor in getting good accuracy. Are you using commercial cast bullets or are you casting and sizing your own?
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Old 01-04-2017, 08:44 PM
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Sounds like maybe a rifle? Still bullet fit is king. If your accuracy is suffering, even if you don't slug the bore, upping the bullet size even by 0.001" can make a big accuracy diff.
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Old 01-06-2017, 05:20 PM
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Star shape at the muzzle means that the bullet carries enough lube to last the whole trip inside the barrel.Actually,that is desirable;much better than not enough lube.
I'd look somewhere else for the accuracy problem;but that's a pretty tall order you're asking for there.Lots of measurements to be taken(bullet size,sizer diameter,throat diameter,barrel slugging,col,trimmed and sorted brass,matching bullet type and weight to the twist of the barrel and a few more) even before beginning to cast your bullets(you are casting them,aren't you?).
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Old 01-06-2017, 06:02 PM
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Try gas checks with those high pressure rounds.
Every thing said about bullet fit is correct.
Also try using 2400 (or 4227) and maybe tone down the velocity until you find that golden load.
My most accurate 44 mag round is 18-19 grains 2400 and a Cast Perf. 260 WFNGC.
Have not tried it in a carbine yet but does everything I want in the Redhawk.
Having said that, I am no Elmer Keith and am not going to shoot iron sights at 100 yards.
50 yards would be my very outside range with any handgun.
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Old 01-07-2017, 12:45 PM
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Yes I know bullet fit is king. But forcing cone angle degrees cylinder throats lube all play a rule. How hard the bullet is shape as a RNFP may enter the forcing cone better. Hardness of bullet being to hard will not grip rifling as good and therefore skid down the barrel. Yes I've used 2400 and 42227 both are great powders I came across 8 lbs of H110. Powder primer all of this comes into play that's what makes this reloading a great hobby for all.

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Old 01-09-2017, 11:34 AM
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In my 44 magnums I cast and size to .431 . In 45 Colt I size to .454 , 41 magnum .411 . The size of the cylinder throats and the size of the " groove " diameter of the barrel is very important .
One place that many don't consider is the junction where the barrel and frame come together . If the factory had to really " torque " the barrel to index the front sight , there will be a tight spot at that junction point . I had one revolver with a 4 thousandths "choke " there . That is huge . With a little effort and patience it was easily removed . Good Luck
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Old 01-09-2017, 03:05 PM
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I have used several different lubes for my .44s from alox tumbled on and dipped, to 45-45-10, to commercial and homemade "hard" lubes. All that I learned from a lube star is that some of the lube is still on the bullet when it leaves the muzzle, a good thing. But correct size bullets is more important than lubes (even alox works with properly sized bullets!).

Sounds like you may be loading for a .44 Magnum. For all my revolvers I size the bullets to the same diameter as the cylinder throats (larger won't make any diff as the bullet will be sized down by the throat). Start with this bullets sized to match your throats and you're off to a great start for eliminating leading and improving accuracy.

For general knowledge you should slug the barrel and measure/slug the throats, 'cause the throats must be larger than groove diameter. My Ruger, S&W get .431" sizing and my Dan Wesson gets .430". My Contender gets .431" and my Puma gets .433"...

Last edited by mikld; 01-09-2017 at 03:11 PM.
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Old 01-09-2017, 07:44 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cowboy4evr View Post
In my 44 magnums I cast and size to .431 . In 45 Colt I size to .454 , 41 magnum .411 . The size of the cylinder throats and the size of the " groove " diameter of the barrel is very important .
One place that many don't consider is the junction where the barrel and frame come together . If the factory had to really " torque " the barrel to index the front sight , there will be a tight spot at that junction point . I had one revolver with a 4 thousandths "choke " there . That is huge . With a little effort and patience it was easily removed . Good Luck
Bullet fit is still king. Get that wrong, alloy, lube, doesn't matter. I don't slug bores, but always go bigger than jacketed, 0.0015" for most. I am not shooting long range BP but mostly pistol out to 100.
I have used all kinds of bullet lubes, but like several from White Label; BAC with no heater & CR with a heater.
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