Cast Bullets

stovepipe · Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 8:24 am Post subject: Re: Cast Bullets

Arrrgh...snake bit .

Loaded up some.38sp +P, 158gr HC SWC, non-GC, over 4.5gr of W-231.
Book says 17.5k psi. Figured these bullets were good to 20k psi w/ a BNH of 18 and I'd have some wiggle room.
Shot a few, kinda smokey, smelled lube, checked things out, didn't see any issues in the lighting at the range. Shot a few more off and on during my session and noticed the print wasn't sharp. Snappy little load from the 2" .357 but nothing out of control.

Got home, checked it out, looked like someone dripped molten solder all over the frame/front strap from all the splatter. Throats and force cone were leaded up as well. (38sp in a .357 chamber)

Great. I loaded up a bunch of these figuring they were in the ball park and would be a nice plinking load. So much for my math.
I was overly confident I got it right the first time with this recipe. Now I get to go back to the drawing board and load up some under and over and try and get it to seal up. And, look for new brushes cuz I killed all mine, probably a bullet puller too cuz it'll be worn out when this is over...and no one sells Chore-boy around here anymore either. Nice way to spend a Saturday night. Thank God for Butch's Bore Shine. Hope I don't kill the lands on these bullets too much by pulling them.

I aint too bright sometimes. Embarassed

But I salvaged the weekend by getting my first 20 yesterday at the trap range with the lil "cheap shot" pump. I choked and dropped a bunch in a row... Embarassed

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 8:55 am Post subject: Re: Cast Bullets

Sounds like the bullets are too hard. Maybe undersized?

Someone may have posted this before but ...

www.lasc.us/FryxellCom...Alloys.htm

stovepipe · Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 9:08 am Post subject: Re: Cast Bullets

I was thinkin' too much pressure or the wrong kind of pressure curve due to the wacky molten splatter on the frame/cyl throat fronts. I have some experimenting to do, obviously. Diam is pretty conistent at around .358"

Yeh, I've read the LASC ariticle a few years back. Good info. So is the second line in your sig. Back to the drawing board.

sniper · Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2009 3:56 pm Post subject: Re: Cast Bullets

stovepipe wrote:

I was thinkin' too much pressure or the wrong kind of pressure curve due to the wacky molten splatter on the frame/cyl throat fronts. I have some experimenting to do, obviously. Diam is pretty conistent at around .358"

Is your leading at the forcing cone/barrel throat area, or generally throughout the barrel? If at the forcing cone area, it is likely to be a hardness/low pressure problem.
Your bullets may be too hard, so they don't obturate and fill the forcing cone/bore. The hot, high-pressure gas can then blow around the bullet, melting it, and the gas blows aroung the bullet, melting it, doing what you experienced. A higher pressure load may solve your problem. But then, maybe not. It could also be a lube problem, or a combination of factors, which which can definitely be an aggravation.
Good luck in your search.

wiersy111 · Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2009 7:42 pm Post subject: Re: Cast Bullets

So what did you figure out with your loads?

stovepipe · Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 6:59 am Post subject: Re: Cast Bullets

I've been laid up sick of late. Stupid cold. Mad

It leaded up the throats, cone and splattered the frame with molten lead that looked like solder dropped onto a hard surface.

I agree with both schools of thought in regards to too hot or too cold. My experience with lead is if yer within 10% of the BNH# in PSI you are usually pretty good to go with little or no issues with a powder the bullet/bore likes if ya don't overheat things.
Unique is good stuff, Trail Boss too but I have two lbs of W231 im trying to use up. I thought I'd be really close but...man was I way off.

I have some half grain high/low recipe fiddlin' to do with this one so... stay tuned. I'll have some results next week. Hopefully I'll have a camera by then too. Oh, reminds me...gotta get some new brushes too... Laughing

chambered221 · Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 7:09 am Post subject: Re: Cast Bullets

Was talking to a guy at the range about lead bullets and he said he conditions his bore with something to keep it from leading.
I thought maybe he was using T/C's bore butter but he said he buys it from a automotive store !!! (he couldn't remember the name of it )

Any thoughts on this ???

stovepipe · Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 7:11 am Post subject: Re: Cast Bullets

Once ya find the magic combo (powder, charge, bullet/lube, gun) yer leading will be minimal, if at all.

Not too sure about them "bore conditioners".

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 8:12 am Post subject: Re: Cast Bullets

Something I've considered but haven't tried yet is using one of those vegetable wads under the bullet to see if it prevented the gas blow-by some.

Here is one source:
www.buffaloarms.com/br...2,248.html

stovepipe · Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 8:16 am Post subject: Re: Cast Bullets

Crap. I gotta look that link up at home... my work 'puter won't access it.

Hmmm....veggie gas checks? Brilliant!

chambered221 · Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 8:24 am Post subject: Re: Cast Bullets

After ya shoot them stovey.............just rinse them with some Ranch dressing to get the lead out/off !!! Shocked

Morning to ya Bushy !!! Wave

As well to everyone else !!!

stovepipe · Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 8:25 am Post subject: Re: Cast Bullets

mmmmm....Raaaanch.....*ahglglhahaglg*

SilvertipGrizz · Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2009 2:51 am Post subject: Re: Cast Bullets

Howdy, I'm new to the forum.

Two of the best references I've found on shooting cast bullets are:

1. Lee Precision's "MODERN RELOADING Second Edition"
Lee Precision, Inc.

This gives good info on matching the bullets BHN to the load's pressure.

2. BEARTOOTH BULLET TECHNICAL GUIDE
Beartooth Bullets

This gives good info on matching the bullet to the bore, and much more.

Vince · Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2009 5:09 am Post subject: Re: Cast Bullets

Welcome to HuntingNut SilvertipGrizz. Grab a beer mate and pull up a stump. Plenty of room at the fire.
Cheers

Great advice mate. Feel free to jump in and share your experience and knowledge anytime you feel you can help. Likewise, don't be afraid to ask a question or for advice...the ere is a wealth of experience and knowledge amongst the guys and ladies here...and they are all more than happy to share it.

Cheers, Vince

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2009 10:06 am Post subject: Re: Cast Bullets

Welcome Silvertip!