How to use cast bullets

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GunNewb

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So I'm fairly new to this but Ive made a couple hundred rounds for my K31 with no incident and I was pretty stoked to see how accurate they ended up being. Ive now learned that if I buy cast bullets I can seriously shave costs=more shooting. Thing is there isnt any data on these cast bullets and I have no clue as to how to start figuring it out. How does one learn what depth to seat, how much powder to put in etc when using a cast bullet with the properties below?


30 RNFP DLG BB
165 gr.

Diameter- .309 L

from http://www.thebulletbarn.com/pricelist-r.html
 
the 165 Bullet has no Gas Check so that limits powders (pressure) and velocity

the 200g with the gas check can be driven a lot faster with a larger selection of powder

do some research in to using Trail Boss its one powder
Great in a bolt gun for reduced recoil loads
 
Bevel base bullets work O.K. for some, but usually at lower velocities, they are somewhat easier to seat in the case. I would expect accuracy to fall off and leading to occur if you try to go above 1400fps or so, depending on bullet fit. For this type of rifle usually a cast bullet is chosen that is a GAS CHECK design and you can sometimes drive them as fast a jacketed bullets with decent accuracy. Without the gas check, the exposed lead base of the bullet is subjected to gas erosion on firing, these gases erode their way up the side of the bullet causing leading and inaccuracy. Gas checks contain or eliminate this, bevel base bullets are the worst as those gases are directed to the side of the bullet by they're design. My best accuracy in that type of rifle/chambering usually occurs with a heavier gas check bullet at 1800-2100fps...IMHO
 
A nice addition for reloading lead bullets (if you don't already have one), is a Lyman "M" die. This is a two-step expander . . . it makes it much easier to start bullets in the cases and reduces the possibility of the case mouth damaging lead bullets during seating. They are not expensive, the last one I bought cost $20.
 
Get the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook, it is far more than a reloading manual.! I could just post the answers but alas i dont type well. Buy the book it is worth it.
btw. I agree with the poster about castboolits.com wealth of info.
 
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