Casting for TT-33

[jongun]

Gonna be placing the order for the equipment to load for this pistol and I'm still on the fence about which mold to get. Was looking at Lee molds since I've had success with their products in the past. It's pretty much a toss up between three different molds, 311 93gn,311 100gn or 309 113gn. Like the idea of the 309 since it can be gas checked meaning I could probably load it hotter plus it's a heavier bullet. From my readings some have had good luck with the 309 diameter bullets. Any advice? What are you guys running for cast in your TT-33? Thanks guys.

 

[Old Ranger]

I've never reloaded for a TT33 but cast for a couple 32 Auto's. I've got Lee mould 311 93 gr and have sized them from 309 to 312. Got some run off here now. If you're interested sent me a PM and I'll send you some to try. I would suggest you slug your barrel and size at least one thou over groove dia. Two thou over might be better -Only issue could be bulged cases not chambering fully.

 

[jongun]

Don't have the pistol yet(waiting on RPAL)but would like to kill some time while I wait and figure may as well get some ammo loaded up. The bulged cases was an other reason for considering 309 bullets. Will certainly be slugging the bore when I get my pistol. Pretty excited to say the least.

 

[zippy_the_wonder_chimp]

I've reloaded a bit for a TT-33 in 7.62x25mm. Good results were had with a .308 110 grain plated bullet from Budget Shooter Supply, using 6.0 gr max of Unique
at 1.345" avg COL. I did try cast in it once: from a Lee .311 100 grain mould. Using the powder charge for the plated bullet you'd be safe for pressure.
Just make a dummy round up first to see what overall length will work with your chamber.
Still have some cast bullets here that I could send you, some at .311 and some sized to .309 if you desire. Just pm me if you're interested.

 

[jethunter]

Not sure if you're new to casting gas check bullets, if you are an old hand at it then just ignore the following.

IMHO if you don't need a gas checked bullet you'd be better off with a plain base mold. Gas checks are a PIA to install on little bullets, and they almost double the time it takes to make bullets.

I've read that shooting gas check bullets without the gas check is bad for the bore, but i don't know if it's true or not.

 

[jongun]

I've cast gas check bullets before and do agree it's kinda a PIA, even on larger bullets. The last batch I checked was just over 300 and now think I may be asking my younger bro if he'd like to try his hand at helping me make bullets Only casting 3 bullets right now and 2 are gas checked. Wanna get some hot loads whipped up so figure checked bullets will work well for me.

Really appreciate the bullet offers fellas but I'm sure you guys will find a use for them round the loading bench plus I've got a whole bunch of lead that needs some attention. Thanks guys.

 

[Rod B]

I have had good success with the Lee 90308 93 gr mould.

 

[jongun]

That's 311 right? Or are they sized down?

 

[Rod B]

That's 311 right? Or are they sized down?

Yes it is .311. Not sized down. I usually lube them through a Lyman 2766479 die. I have also used the Lee liquid alox lube & tumble lubed them. Both methods work well.

 

[jongun]

Would assume you're using factory brass so you wouldn't be having any problems with bulging necks that may occur when seating 311 bullets in converted brass without reaming.

 

[jongun]

Anyone have good results using unreamed converted brass and 311 bullets?

 

[Rod B]

Would assume you're using factory brass so you wouldn't be having any problems with bulging necks that may occur when seating 311 bullets in converted brass without reaming.

I'm using "StarLine" brass, & expanding the necks slightly before seating the bullets.

 

[zippy_the_wonder_chimp]

Anyone have good results using unreamed converted brass and 311 bullets?

I tried converted .223 Win brass without thinning the neck and .311 bullets- got alot of jams (FTL = failure to load).

Things were ok (as far as I can remember) when I used .308 bullets with the same brass. But every TT-33 is a little different.

I'd recommend buying Starline brass- much nicer to work with.

http://www.budgetshootersupply.ca/frame.cfm?ItemID=365&CategoryID=55

(worth the money- no headaches)

 

[jongun]

Well I will have some brass from the factory ammo I purchase with the pistol so there's that. When trade ex gets brass in I'll also get a bag of the starline.

 

[Battlerifleelitist]

I shoot starline brass, works great.
6Gr unique for 100gr bullets worked just fine, was .308 semi jacketed Speer, small rifle primers.

 

[glycerin]

A uniform neck flare and expand was critical for me with these small, short bullets(rcbs 86gn). The lee flaring tool worked poorly, bullets not starting straight in the neck. A lyman M-die type expander was much better. I use .312 in a worn out CZ52 bore.

 

[zippy_the_wonder_chimp]

I also noticed that trying to seat a small, short 86 grain bullet (Hornady SPRN) could be a pain sometimes in this calibre.

 

[Battlerifleelitist]

Actually, i had some problems due to bullets seating very crooked in the neck. I thought bullet seating die didn't like half jacket ammunition, but you guys are suggesting its neck expansion?

This makes sense because after i cut aggressive bevel on throat of case, only then would bullets seat at all!

 

[zippy_the_wonder_chimp]

Actually, i had some problems due to bullets seating very crooked in the neck. I thought bullet seating die didn't like half jacket ammunition, but you guys are suggesting its neck expansion?

This makes sense because after i cut aggressive bevel on throat of case, only then would bullets seat at all!

Did you have an easier time of seating squarely with longer/heavier bullets? I did.

 

[Battlerifleelitist]

Embarrassing confessions time.

I have only loaded for my TT once. And it was with one loading.

I am a newbie and i know it.