Cast Lead Bullet Reloading for Rifles

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oldman45

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Hi all - Looking for some knowledge and advice.
New to gunnutz so hope this post is in the correct forum.
Have been reloading for many years but am just getting into using cast lead bullets for rifle reloading.
Have a Savage 99 in 300 Sav and I want to load cast lead bullet reloads for it to use in long range cowboy action type shooting competitions ( only lead bullets are allowed ).
I have a chronograph and based on some reloading data I have seen I expect the reloads to be shooting at around 1400-1600 fps depending on the load.

My reloading questions are:
Do I need to use a gas checked bullet at those velocities?
How fast can you push a plain base lead bullet before barrel leading becomes an issue - is there a recommended velocity to stay below?

I do not cast my own bullets and do not expect to get into that - too many other things to do.
I have been looking at sources for lead cast bullets and it seems that gas checked bullets are almost impossible to find out there in the world of internet retail.
Also wondering if anyone knows of a good source for cast lead rifle bullets - gas checked or plain base - in Ontario or elsewhere in Canada ( although with the weight of lead shipping would be cheaper for me if in Ontario )?
Any advice, knowledge, or thoughts on the matter would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
 
I sell gas checked 30 cal. cast bullets, website is in my signature.

At 1400 to 1600 fps some rifles will need gas checks, some will not. Before you start shooting cast, clean the bore really well. Old fouling from jacketed bullets will cause leading issues with cast.
 
I've shot 1000's of cast bullets in 30 cal rifles. Everything from 30 M1 carbine to 3006. All with good accuracy. I would suggest getting a Lyman Cast Bullet manual or regular Lyman manual which list cast loads. Have not loaded cast in 300 Sav but am familiar with the cartridge. Extremely short neck so I would suggest a shorter lighter bullet. No heavier than 150 gr. I used to shoot 120 gr bullets from a 308 with great success. Maybe exactly what you are looking for. In my 308 (FR7) they were accurate and light recoiling. I'm in Central Ont (Bancroft) area. Send me a PM and we could talk. Glad to help.

Old Ranger
 
propliner said:
A mirror finish in your barrel is important to reduce leading. Powdercoating is really the way to go though.
Click to expand...

Powdercoating is actually incredible. But only us bullet casters can properly take advantage of it. I've played with the idea of selling unlubed / unsized cast bullets at a reduced price for prople who want to do their own powder coating.
 
You could shoot PB bullets at that speed but that will depend on a few things.
As mentioned above the condition of your barrel is very important, bullet fit plays a detrimental part too, i like to have a bullet that is bigger than the rifling anywhere between 2 to 3 thousandths of an inch, so i suggest you slug your barrel and give jethunter a call.
Even an undersized GC bullet will lead your barrel.
Also the hardness of your alloy plays a part too, maybe not as important as the bullet fit but it does play a small part too, your lube comes in to play also.
I have shot .308's PP bullets at 2500fps but these are very time consuming in my opinion, best route is to PC your bullets easy and fast.
 
Go with gas checks if you are going to push past 1,400 fps. I have limited experience with .308 cast bullets, but have put over 5,000+ cast rifle bullets down range in 6.5x 55mm, .38-55 & .32-40. Finding a powder that gives you the accuracy that you are looking for will take a bit of perseverance, but I would start with IMR 4227. Back in the day before it was discontinued SR-4759 was the "go to" powder for cast lead rifle bullets. As for casting bullets, I have a friend who casts bullets. I bought some moulds, accessories & gas checks from Buffalo Arms in Idaho and he casts them for me 1,000 at a time (for a price).
 
I actually had seen the gas checked bullets on your website as it was one of the few places I could see that sold gas checked bullets. May be in touch to get some from you - intend to do some more research. Thanks for the info.
 
Old Ranger - thanks for the info. Most load info I have indicates around 150gr bullet and they seem to be reasonably available. Will likely take you up on your offer of PM later after I research a bit more.
 
I have been casting bullets mainly for handguns but did it for rifle as well. My go-to .308 Win hunting load has a 180gr. cast bullet, gas check and lube. I try to mix up an alloy with 4% Tin and 8% Antimony.
 
It is not all that difficult, especially if you are going for the slower loads suggested. I concur that a good bore cleaning is important, but I have also shot lots of cast bullets in barrels with copper without the world exploding, and they still went in the middle of the target.
A short bullet, such as the Lee 150 FN will do well out to 200 yards, or even further if the rifle sights work for you. I have used IMR 4198 in .30-30 to achieve 1600-1700 fps with good accuracy and consistency. I do use a gas check, as without it you are making life harder for yourself (more worry about alloy, lube, bullet fit, etc). With a gascheck, size it to .309" and you should be good to go.
Those who are striving for one hole groups would disagree, but everyone's mileage will vary.
Try some of the commercial loads, such as Jethunter or Bullet Barn and see how it goes.
And, if you actually put you province down, people might be able to give you better suggestions for stuff.
 
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