Casting: lineotype/wheel weights

[benewton]

For years I've done lineotype casting, either from the scrap shop or, more normally, picked up from (my own) berm. Not likely that the alloy, beyond the initial cast, really ever was lineotype in composition, but then, so it goes. In any case, lineotype isn't available around here, at least from the scrap shops, so wheel weights it is...

I already know that the dropped weight is different, but these are practice bullets, and I'm already standardized on a below max load with max bullet weight, within the caliber, so I'm OK there.

But, I fire a polygon barreled pistol (USPc, and everybody should have at least one!), and I wonder about the accuracy, and a bit less about the safety. I will note that the wheel weight rounds don't really require the sizing die, although they've gotta be lubed... The lineotype did.

Comments?

 

[rick_reno]

cast

I shoot cast bullets in a K&K USP compact. It's very accurate and I haven't seen any problems in about 4-5k bullets.

 

[Paul "Fitz" Jones]

Wheel Weight bullets

As the main distributor for the Founding Saeco bulletcasting tool company in California I designed my pistol bullets to need minimal sizing with wheel weights and only recommended a maximum of 50% lino for higher velocities or rifle use. Any bullet needs sizing and lubing as any lead alloy bullet comes out of the mold out of round from when the mold blocks pull open so they need to be sized round and lubed to not cause leading in the bore ruining accuracy. Linotype expands and makes the bullet larger requiring more sizing pressure so you can feel the difference in sizing pressure between WW and lino alloy bullets.

Also sizing is needed to control the diameter of the lino alloy bullets and the harder lino increase the pressure somewhat.

Wheel weights to me are ideal for most pistol calibers at target velocities. and since they are now considered hazardous material many tire shops give them away free unless some other bullet caster beats you to them by providing the tire guys some cold beer.
Just some things to think about.

John Paul

 

[benewton]

Paul:
Thanks for the info.

I've noted that the cast wheel weights run heavier than the lineotype examples, but show little, or no, wear on sizing. All of which matches your data, since I'm using Saco molds for my .40. Works just as well on the .358's cast with Lyman blocks.

Which confirms, for others, the accuracy of your comments.


I'll have to see how the leading/accuracy issues work out: I don't think there are any safety issues. I'll wonder a bit about the consistancy of the bullet metal, since I pick up and remelt the spent bullets, but, there you have it!