Cast bullets in .308

[J_McLeod]

I'm thinking about trying cast bullets for .308 to save money and shoot more. A buddy gave me some 230gr cast bullets meant for a 300 BLK. I measured a few and they were all .308 or smaller. Would that cause leading? I also don't have any data for 230gr, closest I have is 200, and that' a big difference. Will I need a M die or anything else to load cast bullets in my rifle?

 

[RugerBob]

do they have a gas check on the bottom? I cast for my 1917 30-06 and put gas checks on them. I size them to .309 and use a M die for belling. But they don't lead up the barrel. Lower pressures probably.

 

[Steve2md]

If they aren't lubed yet, you could get a jar of Harbor Freight RED powdercoat for 3-5$ and shake em in a cool whip tub with a little, then bake em on some non stick foil. The powder will up the diameter a little, and will act like a jacket to help prevent leading.

YMMV

 

[Hanshi]

I got jacketed bullet accuracy in my M99 .308 with a gc 170grn fp commercial bullet. The powder escapes me but was likely 4895.

 

[jmorris]

I shoot cast and coated (hi-TEK) bullets in my 308 "backyard" loads, they work fine.

 

[PapaG]

Had great success years back with a 788 in 308 using the Lyman 311291 gc sized to .308 over 24 grains (I think, might have been 21..do know I used 24 in the '06) of IMR4198. Have some targets with groups around an inch and a quarter. Actually outshot my Pre-64 Model 70 in 30-06.