Cast bullets in the 223

[savagelover]

Looking for information on cast bullets for 223 with a 12 twist barrel as well as bullets for a 7 twist barrel. I've heard that 45 to 60 grain will work in either barrel.
I was thinking harder bhn would be needed in the 7 twist. Appreciate any advice on this. John

 

[Anchorite]

Not 223, but I’ve shot some cast bullets (45grs) in my various 222s over the years with Blue Dot. I’ll have to scrounge around for my data and will post later.

 

[Show Me]

I use a gas checked flat nose Lyman using the data in the Lyman cast manual. Works well.

 

[AJC1]

I think you will have an easier time in the lower twist barrels. The bullet doesn't have to be near as strong.

 

[DMW1116]

I think you will have an easier time in the lower twist barrels. The bullet doesn't have to be near as strong.

Does the lower velocity of typical cast loads help with that or is it still too much?

 

[AJC1]

Does the lower velocity of typical cast loads help with that or is it still too much?

The lower twist rate imparts far less shear force I think. The slower you go the easier it is on the lead. Rifle bullets are kicking my but and the 6.5x55 was a woppen even with factory cast. 30-30 I've done respectable with factory and my own. It's a start. 308 was good with commercial cast and a hot mess with mine. I have 5 bars of Lyman #2 that I will try again probably in 7.7. I have so many 308 jacketed it would just be for kicks.

 

[Show Me]

The lower twist rate imparts far less shear force I think. The slower you go the easier it is on the lead. Rifle bullets are kicking my but and the 6.5x55 was a woppen even with factory cast. 30-30 I've done respectable with factory and my own. It's a start. 308 was good with commercial cast and a hot mess with mine. I have 5 bars of Lyman #2 that I will try again probably in 7.7. I have so many 308 jacketed it would just be for kicks.

Can't go wrong with #2. I strive to match my roto bars with stick on and tin nuggets. It's a PTA for others but I get such good results with gas checks that I'm a die hard with rifle molds and .357 that I'm stocked up . Not many out there to discuss this with.

 

[AJC1]

Can't go wrong with #2. I strive to match my roto bars with stick on and tin nuggets. It's a PTA for others but I get such good results with gas checks that I'm a die hard with rifle molds and .357 that I'm stocked up . Not many out there to discuss this with.

I cast 357 bullets for days. I was shooting the rcbs 180-sil off hand in my 16" lever in a 38-44 load of 9.0 #9 and hitting a 10" target at 200 with peeps regular. Felt really good. I've only really been casting a little over a year, so I've got time to get this figured.

 

[armoredman]

BREN 805, 1-7 twist. 50 yards...

I no longer have that rifle, , nor have I tried any other cast .223 bullets anywhere else - the bullets I used were a gift from a fine gent at CastBoolits. Hope that helps.