PDA

View Full Version : Lee 459-500-3R ... Need Some Advice


John Boy
03-15-2007, 01:33 AM
The Lee 459-500-3R is supposed to have a nominal diameter of 459. But using a 1:20 alloy, the bullets cast at:
Driving band - 464
1st GG Band - 464
2nd GG Band - 464
Base - 460

OK, but the normal groove dimension for a Pedersoli 45-70 barrel is 458 and rule of thumb is that the bullet should be 0.002 over groove for it to obdurate properly. These suckers will be 0.006 over groove at the bands using BP for the powder

I've shot them before out to 300yds (good groups) and was wanting to work up a 600yd load at the local range and then this Summer, shoot them out to 1000yds at Ridgeway in PA.

With the bullet being 'excessively' over groove diameter ... any thoughts about obduration impact?
44man
03-15-2007, 08:33 AM
I deliberately made a .464 mold for my Browning. Only thing I screwed up on is the bore ride portion came out .451 and I need a stick to seat them. My bore is .459X.450. They shoot good! I have a lot of testing to do at long range yet but the weather was not good to work loads for a rifle that is shot in hot weather.
Almost all of the problems with molds has been undersize boolits so even if yours doesn't work, that mold would be needed by someone. I might be interested if you decide to sell it.
The Lee mold I had only cast .457. I could not get it to work.
drinks
03-15-2007, 10:56 AM
.006" over in a .45 might be a problem with jacketed bullets, but it would not be in cast, actually, you should consider yourself lucky, most people are trying to get bigger bullets and would be pleased with a .464 bullet to start from.
John Boy
03-15-2007, 01:49 PM
You know Gents, this is what is nice about Cast Boolits when one is scratching their head with a technical question. :drinks:

I normally shoot cast ones that are only 0.002 over groove for the bump obduration. When this mold listed as a 459 was dropping them at 464 ... I said ... Holy Sugar! How they going to fly at 500yd's and over distances.

So, I've ordered a custom 465 lube die from Buffalo Arms so the bullets are not scraped and will be as cast

Thanks for the comforting advice.