casting Question

[LubeckTech]

I'm just getting into casting and am starting with a Lee Pro 4 furnace and a Lee 2 cavity mold to cast .456 pure lead conical bullets for my Ruger Old Army. Next I want to cast 125gr .38 and 9mm from lead alloy. Could I use a .38 mold and size the bullets to .358 and .356 with the proper sizing dies or do I need a seperate mold for .38 and 9mm?

 

[depoloni]

Depends on what you're loading for and whether or not, in particular for the auto, it will feed compatably.

I.E. if you're looking at a 124/125gr bullet you'll want moulds for the bigger diameter (i.e. 357-358) since you can't size up, you'll want to make sure said nose profile (likely RN/TC best fits, SWC 'might') will feed in your semi-auto and load to an acceptable OAL in it too.

 

[ReloaderFred]

Yep, I do it all the time. I've got several bullet molds that work in both 9x19 and .38 Special, and they also work in .38 Super. For 9x19 and .38 Super, I size them to .356", and for .38 Special, I size them to .358". I also have a 105 grain TCFP mold that will work in .380 Auto, 9x19 and .38 Special. You can tailor your bullets to the specific need by sizing them appropriately.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[lwknight]

It is very common for 9mm barrels to slug out to .3565 so .358 bullets should serve you well. Leading is mostly caused from bullets being too small.
You really should slug all barrels to find out where you stand.
Lead cast bullets should be at least 1/1000 larger than the groove diameter.