Bullet casting questions

[dagger dog]

Was casting bullets in .45 Colt, with a Lee 452 255 RNFP, using Lyman #2 alloy mix of 9#'s wheel weights - 1# 50/50 solder.

Specs on bullet diameter and weight from Lee for this mold: 0.452" , 255grs.. They didn't specify the alloy mix which I know can affect final diameter and weight, but this mold dropped 0.454" and 267gr. average of 100.

The only other deviation from the Lee instructions was I water quenched the bullets directly from the mold, reading from sources that this may yeild a tad harder bullet.

The bullets drop out perfect in shape and quality and the over size was not a problem as they were sized to 0.452", (but the extra 12 grs in weight plays havoc with my load data and confidence level with this new caliber and revolver). The loadings I plan to use are relativley mild doses of Unique and are not aproaching any where near max. for my Ruger Blackhawk.

Questions to all that have had experiance with Lee aluminum molds, is this a normal situation with these aluminum molds? Could the problem be with my mix, and by adding a little more tin do you think the weight problem could be rectified.

The only other casting I have done has been with .357 and .224 caliber Lyman steel molds with the same alloy mix,with water quench and both bullets drop to + - 0.50 gr.

 

[Ateam-3]

The heavy bullets are likely because there is more lead than is expected in the mix. You might want to double-check the alloy mix making sure you had correct amounts of each, wheelweights and 50/50 solder. If everything is correct, you should look at how often you stir and flux the mix while casting. To me it sounds like a bullet that had been cast of straight wheelweights. If so, it should still work fine in your Blackhawk.

For casting: the harder the alloy - the larger the bullet (less shrinkage during cooling); the softer the alloy - the heavier the bullet.

In my experience, I have never had bullets to fall from the mold excessively large in diameter and very heavy in weight. I have cast some softer alloy that has yielded heavier bullets, but they were almost the correct diameter and sizing changed them little.

Maybe someone who knows more than me can help us both.

 

[birdshot8's]

i asked Pat at Lee about his moulds and he said the moulds should typically throw bullets larger than the advertised size to allow for sizing. he said the tolerance was 0 to +.003

 

[fourdollarbill]

If you are now shooting from that mold it is time to work up new load data. All of my Lee molds drop heavy. My 148gr drops 150's, the 158gr LSWCGC is 165 after the check is installed and the 158 LSWC is 162. I use 70/30 WW/Soft Lead mix. The only way for you to lower the weight is to use a linotype or monotype and that will get you closer but broker The solder mixed in is realy not affecting the weight that much. Here's a thought - your not using stick on WW's are you? They are a softer heavier lead than clip on WW's.

 

[kelbro]

Nothing to worry about. It's only a 5% deviation. If you measure them in a couple of weeks, they may be .453.

 

[James2]

The loadings I plan to use are relativley mild doses of Unique and are not aproaching any where near max. for my Ruger Blackhawk.

The extra bullet weight won't be a problem with the loads you describe. It sounds like you sized them anyway, so the diameter is no problem either. Enjoy!

 

[dagger dog]

Thanks for the info guys!

I think 4dollarbill hit it on the nose I did use a fair amount of stick on weights in that mix, didn't even cross my mind !

So after this 10# batch is shot up, I'll be a little more careful when mixing the next.

 

[243winxb]

Lee's mould are regulated using 10 parts lead 1 part tin. The bullet should drop from the mold .003" larger then what the mould is marked.

Bullet Sizes & Weights – How to Vary Them




The bullet diameters and weights presented in this list
are based on the use of Taracorp’s Lawrence Magnum
bullet alloy (2% tin, 6% antimony, 1/4% arsenic,
91.75% lead).
Bullet diameters and weights will vary considerably
depending on the lead casting alloy used. This variation
can be as much as 1/2% on the diameter, and 8% on
the weight among the most commonly used casting
alloys. For example, a .358-158 grain bullet might
show a diameter variation of .002", and a 13 grain difference
in weight.
Of the most commonly used alloys, wheel weights (.5%
tin, 4% antimony, 95% lead) will produce bullets having
the smallest diameter and heaviest weight, with
such bullets running approximately .3% smaller in
diameter and 3% heavier than bullets cast with
Taracorp's metal. Linotype will produce bullets with the
largest diameter and lightest weights. This alloy will
produce bullets approximately 1/10% larger and 3%
lighter than Taracorp. Other alloys of tin and antimony,
with antimony content above 5%, will produce bullets
with diameters and weights falling between those cast
from wheel weights and linotype.
Alloys containing little or no antimony will cast considerably
smaller than wheel weights and in some cases
will produce bullets too small for adequate sizing.
Within the limitations given above, the weight and
diameter of a cast bullet can be adjusted by varying the
alloy’s antimony content.
The size and weight of bullets of a given alloy will also
vary according to casting temperature. Higher temperatures
will result in greater shrinkage as the bullet
cools, thereby producing a slightly smaller and lighter
bullet than one cast of the same alloy at a lower temperature

 

[472x1A/B]

243winxb, when you get a chance could you please reference the source of this info for me. I really would like to read more on this topic. Have been casting for about 2 years now and learning something new everyday. Thank you.

 

[highlander 5]

The above paragraphs are from the Redding reloading catalog. You can call them at 607 753 3331

 

[243winxb]

472 The above is/was on Redding Reloadings website, but it has been redone.http://www.redding-reloading.com/index.php The Lee info comes from here. http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/faq/index.cgi

 

[472x1A/B]

Thank you very much guys. I greatly appreciate it.

 

[Maj Dad]

Alloy Adjustment By Weight

You can add lead or lino/50-50/whatever hard alloy to your pot to adjust the weight of the cast slug to match the weight of the mold maker's model with #2 alloy or whatever. It's a bit of a tedious task if you're casting lots of bullets & use several pots full, but as you do it you get a better feel for what you're doing. I now can start pretty much close to the ideal weight without a lot of piddling & diddling. If you have pure lead and known alloys you can weigh it & put it together per foumula, but that is more feasible in labs & foundries. In my shop it's a bit simpler but one thing I have found is that if the bullets have around 5% tin they shoot fine in my pistols. I have to admit, however, that with the advent of MBC& Brad, & RMR & Jake, I spend less time casting & more time shooting. I really like the consistency and quality, and with prices such as they are, I shoot them more & more. I just cast now when I want to, versus have to, to shoot. Sometimes I go fishing, & sometimes I buy fish...

 

[dagger dog]

243winxb,
Thanks for the links will print this data and install it in the throne room shooting library.

Maj Dad,

I just had a reloading shop open in the neighborhood and he has a source for lino, tin etc, so I will be trying to get the mix corrected.