Cast bullets at FMJ velocities.

Status
Not open for further replies.
B

bunnielab

Member
Joined
Oct 2, 2007
Messages
114
So, discounting any leading issues, is it safe to load cast bullets with FMJ loading data? I would assume that cast bullets will yield less pressure than jacketed as lead is softer and will have less friction in the barrel. I want to make cheap practice loads that duplicate hunting and SD loads.

I have also noticed a difference in powders and amounts in "regular" JHP and XPT hollow points. What, if any is the difference between them that would cause the need for different data?
 
You can load lead bullets to some pretty good velocities, but do it with lead bullet data. The Lyman Cast Bullet Manual will give you all the data you need. I know I'm beginning to sound like a broken record on this particular manual, but it answers all these type questions.

As for differing date for different JHP bullets of the same weight, it's because of the bearing surface of the bullet and friction in the barrel. If you'll look closely at the XTP, you'll see that it's basically a truncated cone jacketed bullet, with a hollowpoint, which means the bearing surface is longer and produces more friction than bullets with a longer ogive and shorter bearing surface, at the same weight. Some bullet jackets are also either thicker, or harder material, or both.

Hope this helps.

Fred
 
With equal bullet weights and equal charges the cast bullet will be faster than the jacketed bullet. Usually a start load or 10% reduction will send the cast bullet down range as fast as the full power with jacketed. If you have no other data for cast bullets reduce jacketed maximum load data by 20% for a start load and 10% for a maximum load.
 
I sometimes reload cast bullets using FMJ data for my pistols. I usually start off with the starting load and work my way up. No problems except some bad leading.
As for my rifle (30-06), I used 180gr gas checked bullets with the staring load for the FMJ type bullet...bad accuracy. Too many flyers and had trouble keeping the shots on a 12" target @ 50 yards. I now use the data listed in The Lyman Cast Bullet Manual (a must have for cast shooting) and accuracy has dramatically increased.
 
I use jacketed loads for the Oregon Laser Cast bullets. But they are very hard and have gas checks on them. However, I work up the load carefully, looking for signs of pressure.
And... Steve C is correct. You don't have to load them as heavy as you would the jacketed bullets because the cast is faster.
 
Rifle, handgun, shotgun, muzzle loader, cannon, what are you asking about??¿ The only clue you gave is the reference to JHP and XTP bullets, leads us to believe you are asking about handguns. Revolver, semi auto, single shot??¿
 
I am asking specifically about .357mag in a sp101 and a Marlin 1894.

As a followup question, I have some bullets that I bought on a whim and now cant figure out what to do with.

A few months ago I bought about 1000 BHN 20 158g SWC. I bought them after I had purchased a 1894. I didnt know much about reloading and assumed "harder cast = less leading". I now realize, after many fine winter hours spent scrubbing lead out of the bore, that shooting hard cast bevel based bullets at around 850fps is almost like pouring liquid lead down the rifle's barrel. Also, it seems that the Marlin doesn't really feed SWCs very well so the bullets were stuck under the bench and I tried to forget about them.

I can allways just save them and melt them down when I get into casting, but I am hoping that someone can suggest a use for them.
 
If you were only getting 850 fps out of the Marlin, you weren't driving that bullet hard enough for it to obturate and fill up the bore. You should be loading those in the range of at least 1250 to 1400 fps out of the carbine to get any good out of hard cast bullets.

It also depends on the powder you were using, since that can have an effect on melting the base of the bullet.

Between my wife and I, we put about 5 to 6 thousand lead bullets a year through our two Marlin carbines, and there is never any leading in the bores, but we're using bullets that are normally sized .358". If your bullets are sized .357", that can also sometimes cause a problem.

And no, SWC bullets don't feed smoothly through the little Marlins. The best shape bullet for them is a round nose flat point bullet. The length of the loaded round is also important, so be sure to keep them at least 1.480" over all length, and that will help feeding.

Hope this helps.

Fred
 
"That I what I am asking. Is it safe to load cast bullets using Jacketed bullet data?"

Using jacketed bullet data, and loading to higher velocity, isn't the same thing. You can load to higher velocity, but use the data for lead bullets that gets you to that velocity.

Once again, I'll repeat, buy the Lyman Cast Bullet Manual and it will give you all the data you require and will answer your questions.

Hope this helps.

Fred
 
Last edited:
Aha!

Now we know your secret Fred....and just why your so smart...

Lyman Cast Bullet Manual
Click to expand...

you invest your time in the study of scholarly reference materials. ;)

Though Lyman's reference is on my wish list, I will put a word in for the chapter in Modern Reloading II on shooting cast.

Though Richard Lee's cheerleading for his product line is a little hard to take and the services of a professional editor are proven to be well worth their cost.......

Richard Lee makes a convincing correlation between hardness of the cast bullet (as measured on the Brinell scale) and the allowable chamber pressure.

BR 20 is pretty darn hard. I suspect Fred hit the nail on the head (as usual) and you're underloading those bullets.

Oh, and did I mention that a decent harness tester is also on my Midway wish list? Along with a Lube-Sizer, etc....

Maybe I should set up a non-profit and solicit donations for my wish list... all for the educational edification of THR community of course :neener:
 
Aw shucks, 'twern't nothin', SSN Vet. I just believe in actually reading those manuals, since the information in them is tried and proven.

Thanks for the kind words,

Fred
 
Lyman Cast Bullet Manual
Click to expand...

Ok, this book will be on my next midway order. I went and looked around in my load books and came across this,

13.9g of 2400 under a 158g Cast. Vel= 1487 at 34000PSI.

That sounds like it should do the job, but I assume that might be a bit heavy for my 101. Has anyone tried this load or one like it?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

Zendude
  • Locked
Friction characteristics of plated bullets
Replies
8
Views
730
Zendude
Zendude
M
  • Locked
Jacket vs Cast Velocities in a 45-70
Replies
8
Views
850
Jefferson Herb
J
C
  • Locked
Lead vs Jacketed load data?
Replies
7
Views
1K
Down South
Down South
T
  • Locked
Casting FMJ ?????????
Replies
10
Views
905
larryw
larryw
valleyforge.1777
  • Locked
Are "JHP" ("jacketed" hollow point) bullets for reloading "jacketed" or "plated" ???
Replies
15
Views
3K
LiveLife
LiveLife
Back
Top