Reloading with cast bullets

[crazykayaker]

I have looked for specific details as to the procedure for reloading with cast bullets, but can't seem to find much. I have picked up a little..enough for me to ask questions about. From what I can find, with a cast bullet, you have to size it, lube it, put on a gas check, and then you can load it into the cartridge. Is this correct? Also, is it necessary to size the bullets? I have looked at the Hornady crimp-on gas checks, do other mfg. make non-crimping gas checks? I'm looking at some Hunter's Supply .308 cal 165 gr. FP Hard Cast bullets. I have a Ruger M77 in .308 Win. As you can probably tell, I'm new to the cast bullets scene. I've reloaded for a while though.

 

[Hondo 60]

Are you casting the bullets?

Gas checks are put on bullets that are molded specifically for them by the caster.
The lube is also put on by the caster.

So if you're buying cast bullets, no you don't have to size them, put on gas checks or lube them.
That's all ready done.

If you ARE casting, then yes you have to size & lube.
Gas checks will depend on the caliber.

 

[crazykayaker]

As of right now, I'm looking to buy cast bullets. The ones I'm looking at, the mfg. recommends that I not push them over 1600 fps without gas checks installed.

 

[Hondo 60]

If you're buying, then they'll be sized & lubed.

Is this it?
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=2046467736

I've never installed gas checks, so hopefully someone more knowledgeable will come by.

 

[highlander 5]

You cannot put a gas check on a cast bullet unless it's designrd for it. That bullet you are looking at is called a bevel base and it allows you to seat it without belling your case. The base on a bullet that needs a gas check is smaller at the base as the gas check is crimped/swaged on to the bottom of the bullet. If you go to Missourii Bulllet Co they may have some gas check bullets that you can use.

 

[cfullgraf]

Gas checks are used on cast bullets that will be used at higher velocities.

Generally, hand guns cartridges like 38 Special, 45 Colt (industry standard not souped up Ruger loads), and 45 ACP generally do not have gas checks.

Rifle bullets and maybe high powered hand gun loads for 44 Magnum or 357 Magnum benefit from gas checks. The gas checks protect the base of the bullet from the higher gas temperatures and velocities. But as said by Hondo 60, the bullet must be designed to accept a gas check.

i do not know if gas check bullets are available commercial as I have never looked for them. I am sure somebody makes them.

For the most part, folks, including me, buy handgun cast bullets for the slower velocities and they come lubricated and sized, ready to load.

Hope this helps.

 

[James2]

Gas checks, lube and sizing have been pretty well covered. I will just mention that you should use load data for cast bullets.

 

[jcwit]

Check out this site for info regarding cast bullets and casting

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/

Regarding gas checks on bullets yes one can place gas checks on bullets not designed for checks, I didn't realize this myself but it was pointed out on the link above.

 

[918v]

Make sure you flare the case mouth enough so that the bullets don't shave during seating. Don't buy too hard of a bullet for your application: Use softer bullets for low pressure loads. Use harder bullets for high pressure loads.

 

[Gadzooks Mike]

You cannot put a gas check on a cast bullet unless it's designrd for it. That bullet you are looking at is called a bevel base and it allows you to seat it without belling your case. The base on a bullet that needs a gas check is smaller at the base as the gas check is crimped/swaged on to the bottom of the bullet.

That's not entirely true. You can go here and get a gas check maker that will make checks specifically for plain based (non-gas check) bullets.

http://www.patmarlins.com/

 

[highlander 5]

I did not know that. I've been reloading for 40 yrs and casting for 30 and I stand corrected

 

[res45]

NECO also make a plastic wad that can be used with plain base cast bullet which acts as a gas check. http://www.neconos.com/category/Reloading-Aids-16

Cast bullets for Beginners to Experts
http://www.lasc.us/IndexBrennan.htm

Cast bullet notes.
http://www.lasc.us/CastBulletNotes.htm

 

[rcmodel]

details as to the procedure for reloading with cast bullets, but can't seem to find much.

You need to spend $20 bucks or so on a Lyman #49 reloading manual.

There is very little else out there with as much cast bullet info and data for most all common calibers.

rc

 

[Ala Dan]

The Lyman "Cast Bullet Handbook" should be on every handloaders bench~!

 

[FROGO207]

I am loading 308 gas checked FP bullets in my 30-30 and without looking I do not remember who made them. I got them from Graff however. There were some available from Hunningtons also as of last year when I looked.
I saw no gas checked 308 at Missouri Bullet last time I checked there.

 

[243winxb]

You will need a Lyman "M" die to open the case mouth to seat a lead rifle bullet. Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook, 4th Edition, all new ,with lates info.

 

[ssyoumans]

For a non gas checked bullet from MBC, 18 BHN what velocity can u drive them before leading? Specifically their 240gr 44 Mag Smashers and 165gr 30-30 whitetail bullets? Anyone have experience with these?
I wish they offered gc versions of these, especially the 30-30 one. I've loaded some up to 1400fps, but the point of impact is really far off and so I need more velocity to improve this without constantly adjusting scope. I fear much faster and I'd be getting some severe leading.

 

[Hondo 60]

ssyoumans,

email Brad at MBC & tell him what you want.
I'll bet he can come up with something that'll work for you.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

At 308 speeds...gas checks required. With the right alloy, hardness (heat treated), and bullet fit (.309" diameter is popular, .310" is better) you can get up around 2,500 fps with cast bullets (this WILL require a slick barrel...may wanna get it lapped if this is what you want)

I'd buy bullets with the checks already installed...much simpler that way...but if you decide you want to install them yourself get a Lee sizer
( http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=235241 )...$17.29

Thats the cheapest (and best IMO) way to crimp gas checks...

And check out Beartooth Bullets...you can get bullets sized the way you want them ($23 per 100)...Beartooth bullets are HARD (but not brittle) BHN 21, this will stand up to some pretty high velocity even if your barrel is not super smooth.

 

[res45]

You will need a Lyman "M" die to open the case mouth to seat a lead rifle bullet.

It's probably a bit more convenient but not truly essential,I load cast bullet in four different rifle calibers and just use a .311 expander ball on my decapping die when sizing the cases for cast bullets,no trouble seating gas checked or plain base bullets so far.

I flair the cases with a Lee universal flaring die,and it works for me anyways your results may vary.

 

[crazykayaker]

Thanks for all the information. I will give it a try here in the next month or two.