Accuracy implications of oversized cast bullets

In rifle or pistol I go as large as I can and still chamber for cast bullets.

My testing in 45acp, 357, 44 mag, 9mm hand guns, show my cast bullets, of the proper alloy, need to be a little larger then the barrels groove diameter.

These diameters are .451" for S&W 645, .452" for Colt Gold Cup. S&W, Ruger 357& 38 - .3575" for many different barrels. S&W M29, Ruger Super BH .430" The Taurus 9mm works at .3562" to a maximum of .3568"

Oversize bullets i tested, did not produce better accuracy. Dies are designed for jacketed bullets. Over sized do not work well with RCBS dies. May with other dies of lesser quality?

Having watched the average shooters at the range, tells me most cant shoot accurately enough to tell a good load from bad. Sorry.

For 30 caliber rifles i used .309" or .310" in 30-30 & 30-06. A Lyman "M" dies is a must use item.

If barrels are in poor condition, try Tubbs Final Finish . For my 1903, i had a new GI barrel installed in 1970s.

Doing your own testing is the only way to know. After all, casting is part voodoo.

243winxb said:

Oversize bullets i tested, did not produce better accuracy. Dies are designed for jacketed bullets. Over sized do not work well with RCBS dies. May with other dies of lesser quality?

Having watched the average shooters at the range, tells me most cant shoot accurately enough to tell a good load from bad. Sorry.

Click to expand...

RCBS sells cowboy dies. The expander die on those is sightly larger and works well with lead bullets. Lyman M dies are the same concept. I use those or NOE expander plugs for my lead bullets.

I was at the range yesterday and the guy next to me was shooting a 10” group at 7 yards. He was talking about how he needed a more accurate gun or more accurate bullets. His friend told him he needed more practice and that mirrored what I was thinking.