Cast bullet help please

[hms365]

I need a little help. I have been given approximately 200 cast bullets that I do not know much about. Here's a picture if that helps.

Here is what I know:

• the top band is 0.426"
• the bottom two bands are 0.435"
• they weight 235 gr.
• they have no lube on them
• they are a little bit softer than a 18BRN cast bullet

Do these need to be re-sized to use in a .44 Spl / Mag? They seem to be a little big if my calipers are correct (I am pretty sure they are).

Considering the hardness of them, it seems like I should be targeting magnum velocity - does that sound correct?

What is the best way to get these lubed when I do not plan to cast my own cast anytime in the near future? I have read something about rubbing stuff in by hand, and spraying something on, but EVERY cast bullet I have seen has at least one waxy band of lube in the groove.

Thanks for any help!!

 

[243winxb]

Bullets need to be sized to .430" & lubed for use in the 44 mag or special. Or lube with Alox & see if a loaded round will chamber without sizing the bullets.

 

[ljnowell]

If properly sized a 16-18bhn will make magnum velocity. I load 18bhn MoBullets all the time at full throttle in 357 magnum. Size is important in that though. Basically that's a 240gr LSWC for 44sp/mag. With lube in the groove it would make 240gr.

 

[35 Whelen]

Those bullets appear to have been cast out of a Lyman/Ideal 429360 mould. I personally don't trust calipers when measuring bullet diameter, preferring a micrometer, but your should be close.

There really is no "one size fits all" diameter because handguns are very unique. My Blackhawk .44 Spec. has .4315" cylinder mouths while my Uberti's run closer to .430". Ideally the bullets should be sized to the diameter of the cylinder mouths of your handgun, but a little bigger doesn't hurt anything. Sized to your handgun and at that BHN, you can run them just about as fast as you wish.

Head over to the Cast Boolit website and check out the "Casting Equipment" forum. There's a thread there that covers sizing on the cheap.

If you can't figure out a way to do it, shoot me a PM and I'll swap you some similar bullets for your .44 sized any way you want 'em.

35W

 

[hms365]

Thanks for the replies!

It looks like I will need to size these.

 

[James2]

What is the best way to get these lubed when I do not plan to cast my own cast anytime in the near future?

Anyone in your gun club have a sizer/lubricator and would they run them through for you? That would be a good way.

I would do it for you, but its a little too far off........