NEW GUY - Question on molds

[Nickjc]

Hi All :bigsmyl2:,

New to this forum and I have casted a bunch for my .38/357....BUT I am looking to do it now for some rifles...

After doing some research I do see that a Lyman 314299 200gr is recommended as a good target load over 16gr of 2400....

Is there a mold out there that gets closer to 174-180 grns at .314?

thanks and I look forward to continued reading of the forums !

:popcorn:

[frkelly74]

What diameter do you want to end up at? That will be the question to answer. You might try the Lee 312 185 . Some of them might be a little oversize or could be lapped out if you need a fat boolit. They are reasonably priced and maybe worth a shot. Everyone here who knows says fit the bore, that is the big lesson that I have learnt.

[Nickjc]

Thanks ...I might try it...

Well I am assuming my no4's are around .311-.315...I really need to slug it BUT I have NEVER done that yet....so I need to look that up..... :)

[turbo1889]

What has been said already about fitting the bore is absolutely correct. Slug your bore before you go any further.

Secondly, I didn't catch what cartridge we are talking about: 303-brit, 7.62x54R, 7.7-Jap, 7.62x39, etc. ?????

[RobS]

Slugging will help you determine a lot as there are several molds that will foot the bill if you have a smaller diameter bore where as if you have a larger bore it will be slimmer pickins.

[Maven]

Nickjc, 16gr. of Alliant/Hercules 2400 is one of C.E. Harris' "universal" .30cal. target loads, but it isn't limited to just #314299. Other molds may work for you, but it would help if we know which gun/caliber (Yes, a .30cal., but which one: metric, English, .308Win. .30-06, 7.62 x 54R, etc.?)/cartridge will you use it in? Also, have you slugged your gun's bbl.? If you find that you do in fact need a .314" dia. CB, then look for an older (used, but excellent condition) Lyman/Ideal #314299. If not, there are several other mold options.

[frkelly74]

Theoretically , you could end up needing more than one setup to match the bores of your #4's. On the other hand if you just buy a fat mold chances might be good that one of your bores might match it. You have a whole new world to explore.

[onondaga]

There is a lot of videos on bore slugging if you search Youtube. Here is a decent one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErFaJlUVs1Y

a soft very pure lead slug is needed that is slightly bigger than your bore.

Gary

[stubert]

303 Brit? If so you HAVE to slug the bore.