Cast boolit newspaper test

[Huntsman]

So today I set out to the range to carry out some long awaited ballistic tests with my 30-30 & 308. Powder used was IMR 3031 and BLC-2 (only for 30-30 w/Lee cast).
Moulds were Lee 170gr GC and NOE 165 GC for 30-30 and Lee 200gr RN GC for 308 Win. Alloy was a modified Lyman #2
Distance was 100yds.



I started the shoosting off with the 308 (Win 88). The first boolit I shot looked a little messy and I actually figured it would'nt have expanded at all but when I saw that it did I was happy but much much happier with the 2nd shot. This one formed a beautiful mushroom


And then this beauty;


This was the exact same alloy/boolit I used for last years cow moose

Now for the 30-30. This was my first step into the cast boolit rifle ctg world. I went with the Lee 170gr mould but will more than likely retire this mould since I just recently purchased the NOE mould off the EE here.
So here is the first shot with the 30-30;
Expansion was as expected;


And now the NOE 165gr

Much better I think.
And all 3 that I shot. I fired a jacketed Hornady 170gr FN for comparison



Should be good for deer this fall me thinks

 

[kjohn]

Very interesting! I pour bullets for nearly all my old rifles, mostly 30-30, .303, 8x57, etc.. I have never taken the time to try what you did. Thanks for posting. Now I will have to get fired up and try some of mine!

 

[Huntsman]

I actually had enough Ackland Granger books for about 3 sessions lol. The boolits never penetrated more than two catalogs. I'll do a hardness test with my new Lee Tester when I make up the next batch.
I'm quite happy with my results and ever since I shot the moose last year I didn't see any signs of expansion with my 200gr boolits and thought for sure they were FMJ's lol. Much to my surprise they were not
My mission this year is to get a deer with my 30-30.

 

[just having some fun]

Alloy/ diameter / velocity / bullet shape will all effect deformation of a cast lead bullet

Some times a faster bullet will deform less

some people are doing a two alloy mold cast (soft nose)

 

[Lionel]

Exactly the same test I use! Except I use newspapers and fliers that show up in the mail all the time.

A very good way to test consistency from one load to the next, check expansion, and test penetration against other known performers.

I use it for everything from paperpatched pure lead, to water dropped wheel weights, to jacketed, to TSX just to get a handle on what does what.

I hope you a better job of record keeping than I do, 'cuz I keep forgetting what alloy expanded to which diameter.

 

[Huntsman]

Yep! It's the poor man's Ballistic gelatin
I also did some tests with my muzzleloaders (TC Encore and Knight Disc)with a 250gr FTX and 300gr XTP. Of to which I was very impressed.
My biggest concern however was how much or how little my cast boolits were expanding. Now I know.

 

[HIGHRPM]

Great post and great results !

 

[grumpyold]

Interesting. The 30/30's look like they'll work well.

 

[Mean Steak]

Sorry I didn't see it in your write up; what were you using for lube?
Good results, thanks for sharing.

 

[Huntsman]

Sorry I didn't see it in your write up; what were you using for lube?
Good results, thanks for sharing.

I use a thinned Lee Liquid Alox and pan lube.

 

[Huntsman]

I got around to checking the hardness and with my Lee hardness tester I got a reading of 13 BHN.
Also when I pull the barrels thru for cleaning I got next to zero leading.
These cast come into exact weight with gas check, 165gr & 200gr +/- .2grs