[loadedround]

Hey guys...A long time reloader needs some help. I have acquired a large batch of 285 gr lead GC bullets and would like to load them as a light load for target/plinking. Don't plan to use them for hunting at present. I have searched all my manuals and have been unable to find any loading information for this 285 gr CLGC bullet. Can someone help me or point me to some data please? :banghead:

[rickomatic]

I'd suggest getting Richard Lee's 2nd edition "Modern Reloading" and reading chapter 10: Matching Bullet Metal to Chamber Pressure. It's a good read on how to work up loads basesd on a bullet's hardness. You'll also need a hardness tester. I use the Lee one and it works pretty good, at least for me. Once you've determined the hardness of your bullet metal there are formulas and charts to help you work "down" loads from a given chamber pressure to a load pressure that will match your cast bullet's characteristics.

[FredT]

13 to 17 grains of Unique is what I use in my .375 HH Encore. You are basically duplicating a .38-55. This is the spread from the Lyman Cast Bullet book. I like the 13 grain load as a plinker. A Lyman M die to flair the mouth will help greatly in loading the cast projectiles. Actually I enjoy the cast so much, I have yet to fire a jacketed round yet. I had a M70 Super Express with a Mag-Na-Brake years ago that shot the hot stuff. The hotter the load, the better brake worked.

[loadedround]

Fred:
Thanks for the reply and that's the information I needed. Never thought about the 38-55 loads and essentially these 285 gr bullet heads are for 38-55 loads but sized to .376" You got my brain functioning again. :D

[scary1946]

loadedround:
You are about to have some fun shooting cast bullets with the 375. I shoot a Lyman 375449 sized to .377 at a weight of 270 grains. The Lyman 49th addition reloading handbook (available at Midway) shows IMR 4198 to be the accuracy load. They list 24 to 35 grains of powder giving velocities of 1387'/s up to 1813'/s. I find this load to be accurate in my prohunter barrel. Good luck and good shooting.
Stan