As the title states I’m looking on information on loading hardcast lead bullets in my M1 carbine. I know the problems associated with leading and gas port clogging. That is not what I’m after. That will be something to look out for and may end up stopping this project. But in light of the shortages I wanted to try this since it would keep me shooting and would be extremely affordable. What I have coming are 115gr round nose hard cast lubed bullets. The powder I have available to use is w296. Right now with powder availability I’ll have really no other choices. So with that being said. Has anyone loaded similar combinations for their carbines and if so any advice on starting loads? Thanks for any input.
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Real world experience loading 30 carbine with hard cast with no gas checks.
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max503
Member
Maybe you could soak the lube off with a solvent and powder coat them.
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That is something I thought about. I’m going to load up a batch and try them out. If it’s a disaster that will be my next step.
I've shot some coated hard cast in my carbine without any leading or gas piston fouling. Never tried any non-coated so can't help you.
I can't find any data for W296 and 115 grn lead. I just use the data for FMJ and cut it buy 10% for lead but some people would call that irresponsible.
You might find something here if you read between the lines.
cast bullets in a 30 carbine
I can't find any data for W296 and 115 grn lead. I just use the data for FMJ and cut it buy 10% for lead but some people would call that irresponsible.
You might find something here if you read between the lines.
cast bullets in a 30 carbine
I've shot some coated hard cast in my carbine without any leading or gas piston fouling. Never tried any non-coated so can't help you.
I can't find any data for W296 and 115 grn lead. I just use the data for FMJ and cut it buy 10% for lead but some people would call that irresponsible.
You might find something here if you read between the lines.
cast bullets in a 30 carbine
Thanks That’s very helpful. Most likely I will make some reduced loads in groups of 5s and step up from there .5 grains or so until the rifle functions, then go from there.
max503
Member
I put off powder coating because it sounded hard, but it is easy as pie. Go to the Cast Boolits forum. They'll fix you right up.
Just make sure to use an oven thermometer. It's not unusual for the cheaper toaster ovens to be off by 50 degrees.
austintexas
SWCA Member
I got my first carbine in 1964, IBM $35.00. GI ammo was around but I couldn't find any (before Internet). I picked up 1000 cast and lubricated 110s and started shooting. I never had a problem. If the port clogs up It is easy to buy the tool (under $10 ) and remove the piston, clean the port and reinstall the piston. I never had to do that. My rifle was just as accurate with cast as jacketed.
SWCA 892
SWCA 892
My wife worked for a powder coating supply company for a few years and learned a lot. I know it’s not a hugely complex process but another step in the reloading process I would like to avoid if possible. The oven thermometer is a good idea thinks for that suggestion. I’ll defiantly pick one up if I go the powder coating route.
Ivan the Butcher
Member
Lyman #45 has loading data for 3 cast bullets. 120, 123, & 130 grain RN.
In the 80's I used a 32-20 115 bullet with GC sized .309" and 13.3 gr IMR 4227 in my Underwood. I still have a few hundred left and once and awhile shoot them in my current IBM and my IBM T-3.
Sorry I don't have any experience without the Gas Checks, but I didn't want to risk having to tear down the T-3. The bullet I used was a flat nose, but I used the same load with RN and semi spitzer bullets in small test batches. The FN's lent themselves well to hollow pointing! They turned grounds at 50 yards all mushy!
Ivan
In the 80's I used a 32-20 115 bullet with GC sized .309" and 13.3 gr IMR 4227 in my Underwood. I still have a few hundred left and once and awhile shoot them in my current IBM and my IBM T-3.
Sorry I don't have any experience without the Gas Checks, but I didn't want to risk having to tear down the T-3. The bullet I used was a flat nose, but I used the same load with RN and semi spitzer bullets in small test batches. The FN's lent themselves well to hollow pointing! They turned grounds at 50 yards all mushy!
Ivan
Powder coated bullets are available without using your kitchen range to cook them.
I have a bunch that I would gift someone if they want them. I'm using FMJ these days because I have thousands on hand.
All I need is $10 for postage and they're yours. PM me.
I shot plain based cast .44 bullets through my Ruger .44 mag semi auto for years. Never clogged a port. I shoot GC'd and plain base bullets in my carbines with no problems. Also shoot cast GC'd bullets in my Garands. Again no problem. In fact I've never known anyone to clog a gas port in anything shooting lead bullets.
I’m sure it does happen. And I’m sure there are instances of extreme leading. But on the other hand with a lot of things you read and people fire off when a subject is brought up is baseless gunlore.
One just never knows until you try it for yourself. Never let the internet experts deter you're from an experiment that might work for your application. They don't have all the answers.
I know when I shoot cast bullets in my Garands it smokes like a campfire. But I use my wife's old scented candles when making bullet lube and it smells real good.
boatbum101
Member
I've had no problem with either W296 / H110 or 4227 & plain base bullets in straight walled revolver / levergun cartridges . Lyman 311410 130gr RN is plain based & works well with 2400 on the fast side & Acc 1680 on the slow end . Sized right with good lube should be fine . Coated is another way & plenty of M1 Carbine shooters over on the Cast Boolit forum . An hour spent searching " 30 Carbine loads " over there should give you plenty to work with .
I've used cast lead bullets in my M1 Carbine many times. Some I have loaded light using the carbine as a hand operated repeater and some I have loaded to operate the action. I have never had an instance of a plugged gas port. I have checked it periodically but never needed any attention. Just my experience with cast bullets in the carbine.
