Laser cast minimum/max velocities

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CrackerJim

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Looking for advice regarding the Oregon Trails laser cast BHN 24 bullets (250gr 45 colt rnfp in a 20" rifle barrel in my case).

I'm interested in loading to +p but not magnum levels (using starline brass and 2400).

The company literature indicates that I'll get base seal at standard velocities but not sure what that is..... at the range yesterday I chrono'd Winchester cowboy loads at ave 900 fps (150 over box data which I assume is for pistol barrels). The shipping box indicated the bullets can be shot at magnum velocities without lead problems (sounds too good to be true......but if it is :cool:)

So for those with experience with these bullets:

1 - what have you found to be the min velocity you would use to get a good bullet seal?

2- what have you found to be the max velocity without leading?

I'll be shooting in a Henry big boy (this rifle is also chambered in 44 mag so should be able to handle +P loads)

Thanks for your help.

Jim
 
I shoot the .431 240g RNFP from Oregon Trail at 1350 using Unique and 1700 using 2400. With good bore fit, no leading/no problems.

I did get a little lead skidding once when I was pushing the 350g .459 RNFP to 1900 fps with Rx7, but otherwise they seem like they hold up to pressure/velocity pretty well.

I think your bore fit is what will limit you with what you want to do here.
 
I cant comment of the specific caliber you are asking about. but I can say for sure. the 170 gr 30-30 bullets shoot like crap at lower velocities.
I have to gas check them and pump up the volume with H4895 or I3031 to get them to shoot.
 
BHN 24 .45 Colt bullets?:eek: I use +P loads of 18gr of 2400 in Starline brass with cast bullets that are about BHN 10. Why on earth they cast theirs so hard is beyond me. That's harder than linotype!

Don
 
USSR said:
BHN 24 .45 Colt bullets?:eek: I use +P loads of 18gr of 2400 in Starline brass with cast bullets that are about BHN 10. Why on earth they cast theirs so hard is beyond me. That's harder than linotype!

Don
Click to expand...
I cant figure it out ether. Must be to benefit the shipper. I find softer bullets shoot better for me and mine.
 
Thanks for the replies. So it sounds like my next batch can be softer (and a little cheaper) and still work in the +p velocity range.

Gotta love it when hobby costs can head in the more economical range! :cool:

Jim
 
BHN 24 .45 Colt bullets? I use +P loads of 18gr of 2400 in Starline brass with cast bullets that are about BHN 10. Why on earth they cast theirs so hard is beyond me. That's harder than linotype!
Click to expand...

I have been known to load 255gr LSWC at 22gr of 2400 in my Blackhawk. I do that with Missouri Bullets cowboy #9s, much less than 24bhn.
 
I also shoot the 170 grain 30-30 Laser Cast bullets at the faster velocities and find that I can skip the gas check using AA2015 and they shoot the same POI as the 180 grain CoreLok bullets I hunt with. Also the 115 grain LC bullets can be driven fast in the 30 Carbine with great results.
 
AA2015
Click to expand...
What is special about that powder? I've tried them without GC and results are lousy in my 336. Tried a few in AR 308 but don't have a good load yet.
 
Popper, what about the results were lousy? I've got a bunch of those 170gn bullets to load for my 336. I'd been loading them with Trail Boss to give some plinky-plink rounds, but I want to try them faster but don't know how fast I can go or if it is even worth it.
 
Does anyone have experience with minimum velocities?

I'm talking about where the velocity is low enough there isn't enough power to get good bullet seal and starts leading?

I've loaded up 17.5, 18.0, 18.5, 90.0 loads to start. Just concerned the first load might not get it sealed.

Thanks,

Jim
 
I do not have a crony at this point but the load of 26.0 grains of AA2015 works in my 336, Savage 240, and a couple WIN 94's with OK accuracy with a Laser Cast lead bullet. The MAX and MIN for the load is 26.0 grains, for 1988 FPS, 29000 PSI, at 2.550 OAL according to the data in Lee Mordern Reloading. So I loaded up some and they were OK for my rifles. I have gone through almost 1K with no large leading problems at this point without adding gas checks.
 
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