Why does Lee say .429 cast size for all, except the one tumble lube.

[tackstrp]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why does Lee say .429 cast size for all, except the one tumble lube for the 44 caliber. I have always sized my 44 calibler bullets to .430. Consequently I dont understand buying something that will not cast .430. I do have one 44 caliber sample in tumble lube, some times I can measure .430 +or - a little depending on how the micrometer is used. ( operator malfunction)

For the 38 and 9 mm the as cast sizes look correct to me. at .358 and .356

 

[StrawHat]

Just because they say .429 doesn't necessarily mean that will be the diameter a casting will drop. It amy mean this is the diameter it will size to after running through a sizing die. Or it may be a guess. On another forum, we have had to return many custom molds because Lee could not hold tolerances and were shipping molds that csat undersized bullets. Recently, they have tightened QC so that may no longer be a problem.

 

[twice barrel]

I used to cast for 44mag and recall that my alloy could effect the dropped size of a bullet. Some actually expanded a tad upon cooling too. Can't recall if it was the tin or the antimony that did this. (suspect the later)

But I remember having a lee bullet (with the fine grooves) that would drop from the mould and not need sizing to load & shoot just fine. My others all ran thru the sizer/lubricator.

Regards,

TB

 

[243winxb]

Why does Lee say .429 cast size for all, except the one tumble lube for the 44 caliber.

It is only a part number, means nothing. My Midwayusa chart lists all Lee 44 pistol bulltets to use a .430" sizing die. Other mould makers like Lymam will list bullets for the 44-40 that will be sized smaller, .427" to .428" and carry a part number starting with 427