Cast Bullets Rifle loading data

I use jacketed data with non magnum powders. I like 3031, 4895 4198 ex. or pistol powders 4227 or unique (probably little to no data on these)

The internet is a great source but use it wisely
 
The Lee reloading manual, second edition has an interesting discussion/theory on using bullet hardness to determine how much pressure the bullet can tolerate before becoming deformed. Then, he explains how to adjust your jacketed load data so your cast bullet meets and doesn't exceed it's pressure limitations. It's a very interesting read. I haven't used this idea, because for the past year I've been enraptured by powder coating.
 
the_blacksmith said:
And what is the 'old way'?
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If you set it up according to the instructions you will size the crap out of the brass. And likely get "the bulge".

I did a lot of digging into this subject at one time and it just does not make sense to work the brass that much. Just a kiss with the fl die (screwed way out) to shrink the neck smaller than the projectile. Then expand just a little. I had to make an oversize expander to do it. Minimal neck tension and a solid crimp for repeaters. Brass lasts forever, sizing is easy. I can turn the bullet in a good .22 cartridge, and I can turn the ones I load for .45-70. Just barely though. Pretty sure the buffalo hunters weren't standing on the handles of their presses around the campfire and antique cartridges never show much of a bulge.

I think it's the dies we have more than anything. How many dies for shouldered cartridges shrink the neck to the next caliber down? My rcbs fl dies shrink .308 to 7 mm and 6.5 mm to .25 cal...then expand them back up lol. I have one for a x57 case that squishes the walls near the case head to .30-06 dimensions, and on firing they pop back out to the x57 dimension. It's needless. All fixable though.
 
slug said:
The Lee reloading manual, second edition has an interesting discussion/theory on using bullet hardness to determine how much pressure the bullet can tolerate before becoming deformed. Then, he explains how to adjust your jacketed load data so your cast bullet meets and doesn't exceed it's pressure limitations. It's a very interesting read. I haven't used this idea, because for the past year I've been enraptured by powder coating.
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I too have been enraptured by powder coating.

Here is the easy way - and works perfectly https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irF984ukYsI&t=101s

The guy in the video used Freezer bags. plastic bottles work better (but tape the lids on after screwing them tight).

Here is a crazy use of an old sander to make a dedicated PC bullet tumbler:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSNpXw4GTDc

Use the red PC stuff from Princess Auto

Resize to your bore diameter (i.e .308 not .309 etc.). Push them as fast as you want. Guys get Okay results at 3300 FPS!
 
slug said:
The Lee reloading manual, second edition has an interesting discussion/theory on using bullet hardness to determine how much pressure the bullet can tolerate before becoming deformed. Then, he explains how to adjust your jacketed load data so your cast bullet meets and doesn't exceed it's pressure limitations. It's a very interesting read. I haven't used this idea, because for the past year I've been enraptured by powder coating.
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x2
i find it really good because it helps you understand how to extrapolate jacketed data for cast bullets in safe logical manner.
it is extremely helpful.
 
I've played with cast loads in various milsurp rifles calibers, and struggled to get good accuracy out of them. Then was reading an article from a fellow, who along with some others had tested hundreds of loads. They came to the conclusion that 16gr of 2400 almost always gave the most accurate results in all the common milsurp rifle calibers regardless of the exact cast bullet being used. So i gave it a try in 303, 30-06, and 8 x 57. Accuracy was excellent. I now use that load in those calibers plus 30-40 Krag, 8mm Lebel, 7.62 x 54r. Bullet weights vary, and so does velocity, but accuracy is excellent in all of them.
 
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Kaboomstick said:
Cast Bullets by Col. Harrison (.pdf of book)

http://www.castpics.net/subsite2/ClassicWorks/CastBullets-s.pdf


The newest Lyman cast bullet book is great, a lot of the older ones are available online as .pdf's. I use Lyman 44th a bit.

If you're doing straight wall cases burn the instruction sheet for your FL die, the old way is better.
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Thanks again to everybody.
Still waiting on my new Lyman manual ordered with other stuff from Natchez. Meanwhile I found today at the Gunshow in Duncan an old Lyman Reloading Handbook 44th edition probably printed in 1967. The nice Gentleman was asking Cdn. $ 5.** but immediately reduced his asking price to Cdn. $ 4.**. Could not pass this deal up, no Sir. Thanks also to "Kaboomstick" mentioning the Lyman 44th. this will get me started.
 
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