[idahoglock36]

So when using a cast lead bullet how do you calculate its weight?

Before the lube is applied or after?

Not that the difference is much but just a question. I know you guys need something to talk about tonight :).

Is the lube considered weight or not?

Second question:

If you take your average 9mm bullets and it weighs 115 grains after casting, how much does it weigh after you lube it?

Follow up if you do the same for a 45acp what does the lube weigh?

Not that it really matters and general rules apply. It is not that serious of a question and "it depends" on lube used need not apply....although add it you think it matters.

[ReloaderFred]

Anything that is going to be pushed down the bore is weighed as a total package, or payload. The answer to your question is the bullet weight is with the lube grooves filled.

The lube would only weigh a couple of grains, and since you wouldn't shoot an unlubed bullet, the difference wouldn't really matter. I'm assuming, though, that you're just curious. I've never weighed a bullet before and after lubing, since I work with them in batches of several thousand, but perhaps I will the next time I cast up a batch.

Hope this helps.

Fred

[idahoglock36]

Thanks Fred,

No, I'm just curious. I don't have any better questions to ask tonight :).

I was just reloading a little lead tonight and playing with the scale and thought how do casters calculate the weight of their bullet.

[tlen]

I was just reloading a little lead tonight and playing with the scale and thought how do casters calculate the weight of their bullet.
There are no calculations; just weigh the bullet.

[MissouriBullet]

Another point to consider is that a given bullet's weight is dependent upon its constituents elements. Mould makers will typically state a bullet weight assuming a standard reference alloy, which is very often the standard 2/6 (2% tin, 4% antimony, balance lead and trace elements.)

[Walkalong]

Yep. Different alloys will drop slightly different weights from the same mold.

[Jumping Frog]

As stated, total weight is what matters. A gas check for bullets so loaded has a bigger weight impact that lube. The gas checks weigh about 7 grains each on my .44.

[dardascastbullets]

Hi idahoglock36,

The cast bullet alone is by far the major element making up the total mass of the bullet. The lubricant is only a very minor element. For instance, let's look at the 45 caliber 200 grain semi wadcutter cast bullet. Using a 92-2-6 alloy, the bullet will drop at 200 grains nominally. The lubricant used for this bullet will have a mass of approximately 0.6 grains. In order to obtain a ratio of lubricant-to-alloy we divide 0.6 by 200 and multiply by 100.
0.6/200 = 0.003.
0.003 x 100 = 0.3%.

We can see that the lubricant has a very small contribution to the overall mass of the cast bullet. This ratio will change as the mass of the bullet changes (45 caliber to 9mm for instance).

So, to answer your question, you can ignore the mass of the lubricant.

[idahoglock36]

Hey thanks guys.

I guess this is another question I can just put to rest.

Thanks for all the info, very much appreciated!

[qajaq59]

I've weighed them both ways, but on a 30 caliber at least, it doesn't amount to enough to worry about. You're going to begin at the starter load and work up to accuracy anyway.