Lee six cav. 225 Bator mold!

[waco]

I just ordered one of Midsouthshootersupply

I have two Lyman 450's but have been playing with PC boolits lately, so I ordered a Lee .225 sizer as well.

1000 Hornady gaschecks were needed also.

We (my brother and I) will be testing in his Savage 10 .223 and my CZ527 .221 Fireball

I've been wanting to try cast in the .22's for a LONG time! This will be a fun one!

The Savage sports a 1:9 twist, and the CZ has a 1:12

I'm sure this should be an interesting experiment.

Any thoughts or suggestions are most welcome.

Waco

[runfiverun]

break out your ocd shirt,and your most accurate scale.

[waco]

That bad huh? Lol!!

[xacex]

I had one of those molds. Hold on to it. For me getting the .22 boolits to shoot good has been a nightmare. Every little boolit weighed within a tenth of a grain,gas checks perfect,proper hardness,lube, on,and on. Seems to be a little more critical with these tiny ones.

Btw, when I sold it I put it on ebay, and got nearly $400 for it. Started it at a buck. I would get another one just to hold onto for bad times if I knew I would use it. I have the Mihec 5.56 mold, so I lost interest.

Hows that snow and ice treating you down south? I had to sit in front of a propane heater last night to change a water pump in the Toy because it was so cold in the garage. A heated garage no less. This sucks!

[AlaskanGuy]

Dont feel bad Waco, i took the bait also and still have not received mine.... I already have the magnify glass and scale ready.... Just need the dang mold....

I will be using mine in a few different rifles for testing.... My savage in 223, my 22-250, wife's savage 22-250, and the 22 jet.... Lots of testing to do.....

You received yours yet???

[waco]

I had one of those molds. Hold on to it. For me getting the .22 boolits to shoot good has been a nightmare. Every little boolit weighed within a tenth of a grain,gas checks perfect,proper hardness,lube, on,and on. Seems to be a little more critical with these tiny ones.

Btw, when I sold it I put it on ebay, and got nearly $400 for it. Started it at a buck. I would get another one just to hold onto for bad times if I knew I would use it. I have the Mihec 5.56 mold, so I lost interest.

Hows that snow and ice treating you down south? I had to sit in front of a propane heater last night to change a water pump in the Toy because it was so cold in the garage. A heated garage no less. This sucks!

Woke up to a little more snow and 6 degrees! VERY unusual around here. Guess its a loading bench day!

[waco]

Dont feel bad Waco, i took the bait also and still have not received mine.... I already have the magnify glass and scale ready.... Just need the dang mold....

I will be using mine in a few different rifles for testing.... My savage in 223, my 22-250, wife's savage 22-250, and the 22 jet.... Lots of testing to do.....

You received yours yet???

AG

I just put the order in last night. A little less than two weeks should be here.

I have an older tang safety Ruger 77 in .22-250 I'll have to try it in as well.

Waco

[AlaskanGuy]

I bought mine on black friday..... Soooooo i guess it should be here soon i hope... Dang snail mail... Have you thought about powder for them baters yet????

[waco]

[QUOTE=AlaskanGuy;2511825]I bought mine on black friday..... Soooooo i guess it should be here soon i hope... Dang snail mail... Have you thought about powder for them baters yet????[/QUOTE
Well, I still can't find squat for powder around here, so I'll be testing what I have on hand.
Unique
Redot
4198
4227
2400
How about you?

[frkelly74]

I have one of the older fat nose Bator molds in 6 cavity. It measures .225" diameter at the nose and .225" at the bands also. If someone needs a fat nose for an eroded throat condition I would like to discuss a trade because the bullet I cast with this is a smidge tight for my AR. It will chamber in a clean rifle but may not as it dirties up. I have posted this message in the other thread about Midsouth shooters supply having bator molds, in case it looks familiar.

[Jeff H]

Waco,
Beagle wrote two or three articles on casting for .22s which were very good reading. They got me started in the right direction and I would likely have given up early had I not read them first.

I am making mine with ACWW/Pb (50/50) and a RDO 50 grain .225 with Hornady GCs in the .223, sized at .225" and lubed with 45/45/10.

Not looking for screaming velocities, I have worked with W231 and Unique mostly. In a 1:12, lightweight, 20" H&R, I have been able to do about a half inch at fifty yards without the obligatory ruthless sorting. Six grains of Unique has been best so far but I have not done extensive testing.

I also tried loads using that bullet in a 24", 1:9 CZ 527 in .223 with much less gratifying results - an inch (or so) at fifty, sometimes better but not predictably so. I sold the H&R recently so I really want to make the CZ work. I think it will but when the H&R shot so well so easily, I got lazy and didn't work with the CZ further.

[AlaskanGuy]

I am gunna try the usuals.... 2400, unique, 4064, and varget... I also have some 410 that is real close to 2400 i will try....

Also have some accurate 2015 & 2495 that i might try as well....

Nothing like a good experiment to pass the winter... I will just have to pick my shooting days though, so i dont freeze to death.... Lol.... You should be way ahead of me by the end of the winter with your great weather.... I did make it out to the range today, and worked out some loads for my sons christmas present 308.... That thing shot very well with the lee 170 gr mold and varget.... I need to work out a load with unique for him as i have lots of it.... This is how the old gal shot today.... 89865 target was 140 yards....

I was pretty pleased for a 200 dollar rem 788... Not pretty and had some rust on the barrel, but the bore was clean and it shoots real straight... It is real dialed in with the varget, but only have a pound or 2 left.... Vs the 9 lbs of 4064 amd the 10 lbs of unique i have.... So back to the dev mode...lol

[waco]

DUDE! I have a Rem.788 in .308!

Thing is a tack driver with J-words. I've only shot cast in it once. I'm having a problem with that rifle though. Sometimes when I work the bolt, it just comes out of the gun!

Not sure if this an easy fix or not. I have yet to investigate the matter ever since I got the 700.

[AlaskanGuy]

This is the after pic of the rem 788 after redoing the barrel and the stock and overall fixing.... Like i said, it was a rust bucket, on the outside, stock was fugly... Looks a lot better now waco... He is gunna just love it...9055190552
90554905559055690557

Blessings


AG

[wistlepig1]

Waco, I had a take off barrel (was 22-250, 1/12) that I turned down, drilled the gas port, installed a barrel extention and chamber it a true 223. When I installed it in an AR upper and was testing it with the Bator, I was getting fair results but I can't find the load data (getting old). I think I would try the CZ first. I have taken that one back apart and made it into a standard M4 type for my Grandson but I kept the barrel for later testing. My2cents martin



I just ordered one of Midsouthshootersupply

I have two Lyman 450's but have been playing with PC boolits lately, so I ordered a Lee .225 sizer as well.

1000 Hornady gaschecks were needed also.

We (my brother and I) will be testing in his Savage 10 .223 and my CZ527 .221 Fireball

I've been wanting to try cast in the .22's for a LONG time! This will be a fun one!

The Savage sports a 1:9 twist, and the CZ has a 1:12

I'm sure this should be an interesting experiment.

Any thoughts or suggestions are most welcome.

Waco

[waco]

This is the after pic of the rem 788 after redoing the barrel and the stock and overall fixing.... Like i said, it was a rust bucket, on the outside, stock was fugly... Looks a lot better now waco... He is gunna just love it...9055190552
90554905559055690557

Blessings


AG

Sweet!!!

[waco]

Waco, I had a take off barrel (was 22-250, 1/12) that I turned down, drilled the gas port, installed a barrel extention and chamber it a true 223. When I installed it in an AR upper and was testing it with the Bator, I was getting fair results but I can't find the load data (getting old). I think I would try the CZ first. I have taken that one back apart and made it into a standard M4 type for my Grandson but I kept the barrel for later testing. My2cents martin

Thanks for the input Martin!

[Jack Stanley]

A nice fella loaned me some twenty-two moulds when I first decided to cast for the little bore . In the box was a Bator , an RCBS "SP" and a Lyman 225462 , 225353 . The RCBS was pretty easy to get going and the Lyman 462 not so bad either , the Bator I didn't make a lot of bullets with because I didn't want to put a lot of wear on the mould .

Rifles were a Stevens two hundred , a Savage Axis and a Remington 788 all chambered in the two two three Remington round . The Stevens was the best at a hundred yards with the RCBS mould groups about two and a half inches at a hundred yards using a six power scope . The rifle did need steel bed in the action area to overcome the plastic stock . The Axis is a waste of time with the factory stock still waiting for Boyds to make a left hand laminate . The 788 shot everything well at forty yards without a lot of fuss . That rifle is my short range off-hand practice rifle so I didn't try it at more distance .

The borrowed mould went back with a big thanks to the owner and I got my own moulds for the caliber . A four cavity 225462 and a RCBS 2255FN the Stevens will shoot either pretty well at short range without much fooling around . The 788 does well , the Axis I ain't even gonna try 'cause I think I'm going to retire it early . New sheriff on the block is a left handed 527 LUX in two two three Remington . Right now it's getting the shoot and clean treatment with reduced load jacketed bullets . I tried using a few cast in it along the way and it should be a winner but the throat is very tight .

So far for powders I've used 700X , Bullseye , Unique and 2400 , they all seem to work pretty well for the velocities I have them at .

Jack

[waco]

Thanks for the info Jack!

[AlaskanGuy]

Ok... I got about 250 good ones today out of my new bator out of 330 or so... So i was very pleased..... Right up until the sprue plate broke right at the handle connector..... It was casting sooooo good... Boolits were falling out nice.... Dang...... Anybody got the number for lee support.... Now we will see how good their support is....

AG

[waco]

I saw this on your other post.....bummer. Happened to me as well. Different Lee mold though....

[frkelly74]

info@leeprecision.com put me in touch with a man named Pat who was very helpful.

[MaryB]

Got in a 2 cavity version, soon as my wrist heals from the car accident going to try casting a few hundred for next spring testing. To cold for me to shoot in winter.

[AlaskanGuy]

Hey Waco.... How is the testing going.... Have you weight sorted your stuff yet????? I highly recommend that you do......

Mine run the gammot between 50.5 and 52.3 with my alloy... With the highest quanity of boolits being in the 51.1 and the 51.2 area, so i will be focusing on these weights.... But right now, i am gunna have to just watch you for the most part..... Way to nasty out there for any real range time for me.... So give us a show sir....

[waco]

I've only cast about 150 so far. Weight range is similar to yours. Sorting them to +- .01
My .225 sizer die and top punch will be here tomorrow.
I'll load some PC ones as well. Maybe get to shoot this weekend.

[waco]

I've only cast about 150 so far. Weight range is similar to yours. Sorting them to +- .01
My .225 sizer die and top punch will be here tomorrow.
I'll load some PC ones as well. Maybe get to shoot this weekend.

[high standard 40]

I've only cast about 150 so far. Weight range is similar to yours. Sorting them to +- .01
My .225 sizer die and top punch will be here tomorrow.
I'll load some PC ones as well. Maybe get to shoot this weekend.

Have you found a top punch that will fit the Lee 22 Bator? I have an RCBS #506 and an NOE 22 Punch and both mark the nose of the Bator pretty bad. I'll looking for a 22 flat punch.

[waco]

I've only cast about 150 so far. Weight range is similar to yours. Sorting them to +- .01
My .225 sizer die and top punch will be here tomorrow.
I'll load some PC ones as well. Maybe get to shoot this weekend.

[high standard 40]

Did you find a top punch that will fit the Lee Bator? I have an RCBS #506 and an NOE 22 top punch and both mark the nose of the Bator pretty bad. I am looking for a flat 22 top punch.

[AlaskanGuy]

I used a 225 sizer from lee on mine... The push through type works great on them little guys...

Ag

[waco]

Did you find a top punch that will fit the Lee Bator? I have an RCBS #506 and an NOE 22 top punch and both mark the nose of the Bator pretty bad. I am looking for a flat 22 top punch.


At the bottom of this page, go to Castpics, left of screen, click refrences, then top punches, lee to lyman-rbcs, the first one you see is the .22 Bator
It's a Lyman #646

[wistlepig1]

I heat treated 75 of the little cutties (Bator) today. I size (Lee push thru .226), chexed, put them in the oven for 1 hour @ 425, am soaking them right now in ice water. Let them sit for a week and then see what happens. My first try at heat treating and I am hoping to get 19-20 B. I have tried pistol powders (soso results) I think I will try 2230c @ 17-19 grs that should put me in the 1800-2200 fps range.Were in for snow tonite so the wait for a week will be easy.

[waco]

I used a 225 sizer from lee on mine... The push through type works great on them little guys...

Ag

Yeah. I have one of those too. I wanted to try lubing with some CR.

[Leadmelter]

Why can't Lee just make a top punch?
Leadmelter

[wistlepig1]

Why can't Lee just make a top punch?
Leadmelter

Leadmelter, I use a homemade flat that works for me.

[AlaskanGuy]

I like the lee pusher for the smaller stuff....

[waco]

I heat treated 75 of the little cutties (Bator) today. I size (Lee push thru .226), chexed, put them in the oven for 1 hour @ 425, am soaking them right now in ice water. Let them sit for a week and then see what happens. My first try at heat treating and I am hoping to get 19-20 B. I have tried pistol powders (soso results) I think I will try 2230c @ 17-19 grs that should put me in the 1800-2200 fps range.Were in for snow tonite so the wait for a week will be easy.


What alloy are you using?

[leadman]

I had a 788 in 308 once upon a time. It was a left hand bolt and I am sure sorry I got rid of it!
Maybe in the morning I can sort and load some of my Bators. Haven't had much time to play with my stuff lately. That and my eye is messing up from the surgery I had. By the afternoon it is watering and vision is bad. Recovery is happening but at a snails pace.

[waco]

I had a 788 in 308 once upon a time. It was a left hand bolt and I am sure sorry I got rid of it!
Maybe in the morning I can sort and load some of my Bators. Haven't had much time to play with my stuff lately. That and my eye is messing up from the surgery I had. By the afternoon it is watering and vision is bad. Recovery is happening but at a snails pace.

Wishing a speedy recovery....

[wistlepig1]

What alloy are you using?

Waco, WW+2% tin add

[waco]

I just tested some of my little Bator boolits with art pencils. 12BHN is what this alloy is. I'm gonna shoot for around 1800-1900fps out of the Fireball.

[wistlepig1]

Here is the chart that I down loaded from the LA Shooting Club a few months ago. Being my first time heat treating I had to start somewhere. They are only a day old and a little soon to test them. I did do the very scientific thumb nail test and they didnt mark, untreated did.

Top of Page
Selecting A BHN Range By Convection Oven Temperature Setting

Number Average Average Average
of Oven Time In Water Number Starting BHN In BHN In BHN In BHN In BHN In BHN In
Tests Temp Oven Temp Bullets BHN 12 Hours 24 Hours 48 Hours 96 Hours 7 Days 14 Days
3 400o 1 Hour 56 165 10 11 11 14 15 15
2 415o 1 Hour 60 100 10 17
5 420o 1 Hour 58 300 10 13 14 17 18 18 18
2 425o 1 Hour 70 80 9.5 12 17 18 18 18 19
1 430o 1 Hour 100 9.5 18 20 20
2 440o 1 Hour 11 20 20
2 460o 1 Hour 300 11 25 25 25
4 485o 1 Hour 11 30 30 30
** 2 460o 1 Hour 300 11 12 14 18 18 18

Did paste well but you get the idea

[dondiego]

[QUOTE=leadman;2532645]I had a 788 in 308 once upon a time. It was a left hand bolt and I am sure sorry I got rid of it!


leadman - I bought a left handed 788 in .308 some years ago. It had a left hand bolt but ejected out of the right side. Weird. I still have it and it shoots cast real well. I shot it a month ago.

[AlaskanGuy]

WhistlePig,

Prolly best if you posted a link to that download.... Lol

[telebasher]

the















Lyman 438 will work just fine and if you want a small meplat use the 415. I use the 415 on 225438 boolits and it seems to increase the shocking power on praire dogs quite nicely out of my Hornet. YMMV

[wistlepig1]

WhistlePig,

Prolly best if you posted a link to that download.... Lol

Here is the link: http://www.lasc.us/HeatTreat.htm#chart
This chart is inside a good paper on heat treating and worth anyone's the time that is going to try it.