92% lead, 6% antimony, 2%

[Eb1]

What would the average hardness be for this mixture? I am thinking of starting to cast some .303 bullets for my LE No1 Mk3. I would like to hunt with them, and run them at hunting speed.

I will probably cast them at 180 grains.

Thank you so much for your help. I am new, and have never cast before.

 

[sqlbullet]

15

Chart here.

Probably would water quench to near 30, or maybe above.

 

[Eb1]

Thank you, sqlbullet.

It is my understanding that 15 is a little soft to run 2300-2400 fps from a .303 British. I am guessing gas checks, and/or harder bullets for hunting?

 

[NCsmitty]

Here's a link to cast bullet use for 303 Brits.

http://www.303british.com/id16.html

You should slug your barrel for best fit. If you want over 2000fps you should stick with jacketed bullets.

NCsmitty

 

[Bula]

eb1, definitely yes on gas checks. I cast a .311 197 gr RNFP by RCBS with that same alloy and it shoots great at about 2000fps. (Not in a .303 brit.) I bet you'd be able to get 2300-2400 with that alloy and a GC mold. But ask yourself, what will 2300 fps do that 2000 fps wont?

 

[sqlbullet]

There are guys over at castboolits that run over 2000 fps with gas checked lead. Proper fit, hard lube, hard lead and proper pressure are required to avoid leading at those velocities.

If you drop your bullets straight from the mold into water (they should hiss when they hit the water) you will double your BHN or better. My standard alloy is of unknown composition, but air-cooled it tests a 10.5. Water drop them and that jumps to 28 or so. They should be plenty hard if you drop them in water.

 

[Eb1]

Good info. I just can't afford to shoot my LE as much as I would like, but I love the full power loads out of it.

I guess 2000 fps would do what I need it to do. (but faster is better right)

I am just flirting with the idea. I don't have the time right now to really get to casting. It takes me a week to load up enough rounds to shoot on the weekend. (Single Stage Loading with a family and all that goes with it, but I would not trade it for the world.)