Casting Jacketed Bullets????

[HiWayMan]

I'm curious if it is possible to cast your own jacketed bullets. I've not heard of it being done, but thought I would bow to the great gurus on the reloading forum. I want to cast some soft lead bullets, but would like the jacket because I want to run them at high velocity, and I'm lazy and hate to clean out lead fouling.

Thanks all,

Ryan

 

[Jim Watson]

I don't see how.
Jacketed bullets are normally produced by swaging. You can set up to swage bullets at home but the gear is relatively expensive.
At one time there were small scale bullet plating outfits but I have not even read of that for some time.

And why is it you want soft bullets?

 

[griz]

You can buy dies to swage your own jacketed bullets, but with rare exceptions you don't actually cast them. I think it's Corbin that makes dies/presses for such tasks. Unless you are going to make a BUNCH of bullets it isn't cost effective.

 

[rick_reno]

No, you can't cast jacketed bullets. Pick up a copy of "Handloader" - they often have small ads in the back for machines that will make jacketed bullets. They're expensive.

 

[GREYGHOSTt]

CH4D Makes some inexpencive dies for making half jacketed pistol bullets and some rifle bullets these dies will fit a standard reloading press.
All jacketed bullets are swaged.

 

[DJW]

the easiest way is to cast using a mold designed for use with a gas check. then seat the gas check during the sizing/lube stage. most major manufacturers make such molds. the resultant bullet will not lead as much and the base is protected from distortion by the powder.
DJW