Same Mold, Differing Weights due to Alloy Used

[mph911]

Before I do something I wish I hadn't, I'm seeking advice about boolit weights/alloys.

I've cast different batches of 245496 pills; one with COWW+Lino +Tin and the second batch of what was represented to me as "foundry type" lead.

1. the COWW alloy drops at 82.5~83.0 grains,
2. the foundry type drops at 73. + or - a couple of tenths.

I was trying to cast hard for increased velocities. So at this point, do I use the load data based on the original 80.0 grain weight or the actual 73. grain weight?

If this is posted in the wrong section, pls. advise.

[454PB]

I'd use the 80 grain data......what you lost in weight you gained in hardness.

[gwpercle]

The harder the alloy, the lighter the boolit...less lead more of the lighter tin and antimony .
Softer alloy , the heavier the boolit...more heavier lead and less lighter tin and antimony .

Regardless of the actual weight , just use the data listed for that boolit or for the weight listed on the mould, I.E. Lee 358-158-SWC , use data for 158 grain boolits.

You have to start someplace and trying to find data for 73.+ or - a couple of tenths will drive you to certain insanity, just go with the listed 80 grain data .

I suggest you get a Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook 4th Edition , if you do not already have one, Lots of great info in there.

Gary

[mph911]

Gary,

I'm starting to gather that the 4th edition has a lot that my 49th edition doesn't mention. Thanks for your response.

[runfiverun]

watch out for those brittle boolits.
many times they will just break instead of lubing or loading properly.
try working towards the super hard alloy by adding it in to the ww's 3-1 then 2-1 etc. until you find the accuracy increasing.
I use ww's 3-1 to lino-type in my 223's.

[Shiloh]

Very common.

SHiloh

[aephilli822]

Gary,

I'm starting to gather that the 4th edition has a lot that my 49th edition doesn't mention. Thanks for your response.

I'm guessing that the CAST bullet handbook 4th edition has more detail about cast boolits than the RELOADING handbook 49th edition has?

[mph911]

I sure hope it does, just ordered one. Yes, caught the CAST part. Thanks all for the input.

[Tailhunter]

I ordered a mold from Accurate Moulds that was supposed to be 300 grains. I use WW with foundry/linotype to bring the hardness up to about 18 BHN.
They cast at 282 grains.
I'm scratching my head.

[dondiego]

Adding the linotype, a lighter alloy, will make your boolits lighter.

[TXGunNut]

I ordered a mold from Accurate Moulds that was supposed to be 300 grains. I use WW with foundry/linotype to bring the hardness up to about 18 BHN.
They cast at 282 grains.
I'm scratching my head.

What alloy did you specify when ordering your mould? I believe Tom's default is WW.

[bangerjim]

That is why I quit worrying about boolit weights! Just use the same alloy (I use 9-12 for everything + PC) and cast away. My boolits are within a few grains of each other and that is just fine for my style and shooting needs.

Powder load? I just pick the 70% point from the Lyman CBH#4 (!) and go from there.

"Forget the weight......full speed ahead'!

Some spend copious amounts of time worrying about and weighing each and every boolit, putting them in statistical deviation groups, and adjusting and tweeking the load for those groups. Me.....I will be out there having tons of fun shooting!!!!

Works for me.

bangerjim

[trapper9260]

For me I do not worry about the weight unless i do some long range shooting.But of regular shooting I do not worry about it. I just try to get the BHN about the same or close to what I was shooting.Also yes the Lyman Cast #4 will help you alot for doing Cast.The Lyman 49 dose not go into detail for cast like the other one I wrote about and others have said.