cast boolit weight

[BCM45]

How much difference in weight can there be between two boolits cast from different alloys? Example, if I cast one boolit from wheel weights in a 200 gr mold and another from lead pipe in the same mold will they both come out at 200 gr or will one be 200 and the other be 195? Or does alloy only make a difference when it comes to hardness? I am using 5.0 gr of HP-38 with a light crimp.


Thanks!

[mooman76]

The ones from lead pipe will be heavier. WWs and lead comes in a variety of alloys so you won't know exact plus the moulds vary abit too but just guestimating but your pure lead bullets will be like 10-15 grains heavier.

[BCM45]

Could this be a cause for poor grouping?

[462]

According to the 3rd edition of Lyman's Cast Bullet Handbook, a 235 grain boolit cast of lead, is predicted to weigh 232 grains if cast of wheel weights.

So, in your example, the difference would be less than 1% -- not enough to be concerned about.

If you are experiencing accuracy problems, look elsewhere. And, you shouldn't be mixing boolits cast of different alloys, keep them segregated.

Yes, different alloys have different hardness ratings.

Do your self a big favor and get a copy of one of the four editions of the above mentioned book...no caster should be without at least one of them.

[BCM45]

Thanks guys.

[Doc Highwall]

It will also make a difference in the size of the bullet. Alloys with more tin and antimony will shrink less then a pure lead bullet and is dependent upon caliber with larger calibers shrinking more.

[BCM45]

I am aiming at the dead center of the target and hitting very low right. I have some jacketed that I loaded that hit wherever the pistol is aimed. I wonder if 5.0 gr is too little of a charge?

[Larry Gibson]

I am aiming at the dead center of the target and hitting very low right. I have some jacketed that I loaded that hit wherever the pistol is aimed. I wonder if 5.0 gr is too little of a charge?

To answer that you must give us the specifics of each load.

Also while the weight difference between alloys isn't extreme it can make a difference in some circumstance. The hardness of the alloy can have a definate influence of grouping, all other things being equal. If you don't have Lyman's #3 Cast Bullet Handbook (I suggest #3 over #4) then you should get it and read it. The info section will give you a lot of answers and you'll learn a lot. The "ABCs" of cast bullet casting and loading should be learned to really progress ahead and also to avoid a lot of frustration. The manual will constantly be a source of reference in your future casting and loading of cast bullets BTW.

Larry Gibson

[casterofboolits]

The Lyman Handbooks will give you the basics of every thing you need to know about casting and reloading. Read them several times to absorb what you need to know.

I started reloading in 1967 and casting in 1973. The Lyman Handbooks were a big help in getting started with both.

[stubshaft]

I am aiming at the dead center of the target and hitting very low right. I have some jacketed that I loaded that hit wherever the pistol is aimed. I wonder if 5.0 gr is too little of a charge?

If they are groupng well then just adjust the sights! Different brands of condoms will group differently based on their bearing surface, center of gravity and other variables. Just because you are shooting the same weight boolit does not mean it will shoot to the same POI.

[BCM45]

Here are some pics, The first shot with the big group in the heart are the jacketed. everything else is cast.

http://i54.tinypic.com/2uqiwys.jpg

In this shot all of the holes are from cast.


http://i56.tinypic.com/qrzr84.jpg

Let me know what you guys think.

[leadman]

There is some good reading at the site on the bottom of this page. Cast Bullet Notes from lasc.us

did you try different charge weights of this powder? I usually try loads varying in .2grs or so, load 3 to 5 of each to get an ides of what powder amount shoots best. Start with the starting load and work up.

[BCM45]

I am at 5.0 grains of HP-38 started with 4.6 I can go up to 5.6. It seemed that anything past 5.0 was overkill but I can go back through it again just to see.

[Doc Highwall]

At what distance did you shoot these?

[BCM45]

20 to 25 feet.

[fredj338]

20 to 25 feet.

Ouch! I do my testing @ 50ft & 25yds for service pistols, 25yds & 50yds for hunting reovlers. IME, just about anything will shoot into less than 1 1/2" groups from a good gun, good shooter @ 21ft. Seriously, lots of things can affect accuracy w/ lead bullets; lube, alloy, mostly size. Diff powders can also give way diff results. If I have a troubled gun/bullet, I try Unqiue. If it won;t shoot w/ a charge of Unique, it probably won't shoot lead bullets. What gun, I assume 45acp?

[BCM45]

Glock 21