difference in casting weight vs what mold weight is

[Mandolin man]

I have a LEE mold for .38 special that says it casts for 150 grain boolits, but the actual weight is between 144 and 146 grains. I understand that weight is affected by what the casting material is, but how much does this affect powder charges. I use about 5 parts wheel weights to 1 part lineatype when I cast and get a very nice boolit..Will be powder coating and will that add much more weight ????

[2wheelDuke]

3-4% difference like that really shouldn't make any difference, especially for the light loads you'll run in a .38spl. I'd use the same starting loads and go from there.

[robg]

Mine are the opposite 158 =164/160=165/180=190/55=56 with my lead ,they shoot fine so I don't worry

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

You will quickly learn that with Starting loads and cast boolits, weight variances due to alloy as compared to mold specs and book data is nothing to worry about...whether you lube 'em or PC 'em.

BUT, always work up to hot loads (looking for signs of high pressure), if you so desire hot loads.

[TenTea]

No problem with small weight differentials.
More important is the size that your bullets drop from the mold.
Hopefully slightly larger than advertised or at least, right on spec.