cast bullets

[fuzzybatman]

tried the search way and no luck,does anyone know of a good manual for reloading cast bullets other than lyman? info too out dated and only good for their own stuff
thanks kirk

 

[shovelwrench]

Oregon Trail makes a dedicated cast bullet manual. It is all their bullets, but they use pretty standard molds.

Just checked their site, I did'nt see it there anymore. Maybe shoot them a email and see if they are still available. I have one I bought a few years ago, lots of info, and data for most calibers.

 

[fuzzybatman]

thanks will do that
kirk

 

[matsu]

RCBS cast bullets manual havn't seen any for a while might be out of print

 

[oldRoger]

You might want to sign up for Load Data;
LoadData.com - Ammunition Reloading Data, Supply and Equipment. Over 100k Loads Currently Listed.

This is Handloader’s online database. There are lots of lead loads in the data, some digging will be required.
Roger

 

[Skip Sackett]

Not always available!

tried the search way and no luck,does anyone know of a good manual for reloading cast bullets other than lyman? info too out dated and only good for their own stuff
thanks kirk

I understand your predicament in trying to find data for the EXACT bullet you have. The truth is that it isn't always available. That is one reason that you have to KNOW some things along with copying recipes.

The Lee reloading manual has many "generic" loads that are segregated by weight only. "240gr Cast" or there may be specific loads for say the "300gr XTP" or whatever.

What you need to be able to decipher is this: "Which bullet has the MOST common features with mine in the data I have available." And make some intelligent decisions accordingly.

Bullet weight is first and foremost used for comparison with one caveat; range: data for a 158gr bullet may be considered for a 160gr or even a 170gr one depending on the other factors. Next is bearing surface or nose type. If there are no driving bands or are there thick heavy ones, is to be considered. Find the bullet that looks the most like the configuration you have, start low and work your way up.

To be honest, while bullets come from different companies, there are few mold makers and they make some very similar bullets. You may buy bullets from one manufacturer/caster but they may make them from Lyman molds!

Hope this helps.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

The Hodgden manual #26 (if you can find one) lists lots of cast bullet loads in with their jacketed bullet combo's. They also list the pressures the loads are generating, which is helpful, (especially with some of the older Colt's), and clones of them.

 

[canoe on the yukon]

tried the search way and no luck,does anyone know of a good manual for reloading cast bullets other than lyman? info too out dated and only good for their own stuff
thanks kirk

I don't agree that Lyman is too outdated.Having said that,it's a good idea to have as wide a range of data as possible,if for no other reason than for comparison.

When you use a bullet for which there is no available data (and this is very common with cast bullets),you are forced to use extrapolation in load development.The chronograph will tell you the velocity but not the pressure.It's for this reason that I refrain from using "hot" loads with such bullets.When I use loads which run in the upper range of pressure,I want realiable data.

For medium velocity loads,things are much easier to deal with.As stated in a previous post,compare bullets of the same or similar weight,bearing surface,etc. and if one uses some common sense,he can come up with good loads in doing so.As I said,I recommend that you don't push the envelope with velocity/pressure although I know that some do.

 

[sheepman]

Hodgdon and Speer manuals have some lead loads listed Laser-Cast and RCBS have loads also listed. The thing to keep in mind lead bullets are like jacked bullets and are not all the same. Soft lead bullets will go to to high pressure sooner than hard cast. The hard cast bullets can be loaded to higher velocities than soft lead but soft lead works better as a low velocity target load. Always reduce the loads by 10% or more to start and work up. I cast a lot of bullets from wheel weights but if I want a hunting load then I use Lasercast (very hard bullet). Good luck you will have to experiment with your lead mixture to get what you want. Wheel weights make good target bullets as is, but there has been rumors of the mix being changed?? Bill

 

[shovelwrench]

I've gotten into the habit of buying those manuals they make by caliber.. I have seven or eight of em. It runs through by powder maker, and by bullet maker. They REALLY come in handy. I have'nt seen a load book with as much data, per caliber, as theses little things have.

 

[fuzzybatman]

thanks to all again,you have been very helpful
kirk