Noob Sizing ??????

[CZVZ]

I am just begining to cast my own boolits and have sent a few down range with mixed results. My question is what is the recommended size die to use? I know about slugging the barrel, but I have seen refernces to .001 to .002 over bore diameter and also .001 to .002 over groove diameter. Is shooting a cast bullet thats larger than the groove diameter safe? If so, how much over groove diameter is safe? I would tend to think there would be dangeous pressure spikes if it was anything over groove diameter. currently I'm sizing to .308 for my .30-30 and .308., .323 for 8 MM Mauser and .311 for .303 Britt.
Thanks CZVZ

[bobthenailer]

IME .358 dia for 38/357 - .357 dia for 380/9mm/38super - .430 dia for 44 mag - . 452 dia for 45 acp and 454 casull - 309 to .310 dia for 308.
one to two thousands ove bore dia wont hurt ! and is usually desired for cast bullets

[Char-Gar]

I don't size noobs. In face, I don't know anybody who does.

[Wayne Smith]

You need to read some of the early literature on blow up testing. Imagine a .323" bullet down a .308 barrel without significant overpressure! Lead sized down much easier.

[mdi]

Shooting a bullet .003" over groove dia. is safe (if the firearm is safe!). I read (in Cast Bullets For Beginner and Expert, J Brennan) that some fellers shoot bullets up to .005" over groove with no lube safely, so I figger .002" or so is ok in my guns. Slug your bbl to know for sure what sizer is needed...

[462]

"I don't size noobs."

I don't even know how to go about it.

However, I size my boolits .001" to .002" over throat (revolver) or groove (rifle) dimension.

By the way, welcome, CZVZ.

[CZVZ]

Hey thanks everyone, ... so, for example if my "turty-turty" slugs out at .3085 groove diameter then sizing to .310 is O.K? Can some one tell me more about measuring the inside diameter of a fired case and sizing to this dimension? Im just speculating that this measurement would be somewhat greater than .001-.002" over the groove... I have not tried, so this is pure speculation.
Thanx
CZVZ

[stubshaft]

The fired case better measure at least .3085. You can use either a set of pin gauges or a GOOD caliper to measure the ID of the fired case. After sizing the case you should use an "M" die to expand the neck and flare the mouth for you boolits.