Loading cast versus jacketed bullets

[Busta Capp]

Was curious what differences there are in reloading cast bullets versus jacketed rounds. Can those with experience in this share any differences? I would not be casting my own right now, but buying commercially cast bullets if that makes a difference.

 

[ben hunchak]

You will need the right sized cast bullets, and possibly gas check bullets depending on velocity. Lyman shows lots of loads for cast bullets, you just need a method of belling the case mouth without shaving the lead. Most 3 die sets for straight sided cases have that facility built into the expanding die. For 2 die rifle sets, you may want to consider the "LEE Universal case exp. die" it will bell the mouths of most cases except the largest(.50 cal.). You don't mention what caliber you are reloading so i can't offer much more info.

 

[Busta Capp]

To further clarify, this is for eventual CAS use, so I have .357/.38 pistols and looking for a rifle in the same calibre. Plan to load .38spl for use in both. I will get 158grn pre-cast bullets from a source like R&R.

I have the three die set for this right now so belling the case mouth is not a concern.

Will I need to lube the pre-cast bullets? The ones I have already have a blue ring near the base that looks like wax. What is the purpose of that?

 

[commonman]

Sounds like you're good to go. The waxy stuff is the lube and for CAS loads should work fine. Would suggest you make a few dummies to start, get your dies set up and then check how they chamber and eject etc.