How fast can I safely push plain base in a rifle?

[brewer12345]

I load the lee soup can over 12 grains of unique in 3006. Based on published load data, I would guess it is doing around 1600 fps. Is this too fast for a plain base version of the same boolits?

[Snow ninja]

Usually 2000 fps is my cutoff. Not a hardset rule- but good rule of thumb.

[RU shooter]

I load the lee soup can over 12 grains of unique in 3006. Based on published load data, I would guess it is doing around 1600 fps. Is this too fast for a plain base version of the same boolits?
IMO yes that's too fast , but I've been wrong before if everything is juuuuust right it may shoot ok. I'd lower it down to about 8-10 gr and start and work up till you get some leading or accuracy goes away

[Norske]

If you have the Lee reloading manual, the cast bullet section has good advice about bullet hardness, slugging to fit the bore, and power choice. Elmer Keith's articles often claimed 2400 much better than Unique due to less bullet base melting. Enjoy researching printed sources.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

Is this too fast for a plain base
The short answer is no.

BUT...
Your gun and your target will tell you if your alloy is the correct hardness.
http://www.lasc.us/CastBulletNotes.htm

Also, one of the things a GC does is provide a perfect (or near perfect) base, which is crucial for delivering the accuracy you should be striving for in a Rifle. So, when you start casting some PB boolits for Rifle shooting, be sure to inspect the bases closely and cull out all/any imperfections.
Good Luck.

[Thumbcocker]

You can push real fast but not necessarily hit anything. The .30 carbine is an odd little critter that seems more tolerant of fast pb boolits than most.

[Larry Gibson]

I load the lee soup can over 12 grains of unique in 3006. Based on published load data, I would guess it is doing around 1600 fps. Is this too fast for a plain base version of the same boolits?

1500 - 1600 fps +/- is going to be about it for that combination. Best high end accuracy will be in the 1200 - 1400 with Unique......probably better with Bullseye or Red Dot.

[brewer12345]

Thanks, folks. I will stick with the gas checks on this one. They are just a lot more labor intensive.

[vzerone]

Take a look at this thread: http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?274167-Lee-soup-can-30-cal&highlight=Lee+30+caliber+soup

One poster got very good accuracy up around 1900 fps. Jon B gave you the best answer.

[duckey]

I have read 1700 FPS as a rule of thumb. There was a good write up on plain base and alloy type on this site a ways back.

[vzerone]

One can free check a plain base and free checks work exceptionally well. You free check while sizing. This of course require a luber/sizer such as the Lyman or RCBS. Free checking will suffice on rifle bullet well into the low 2000 fps.

[500Linebaughbuck]

about 1500+fps, your rifle will tell you.

1500+fps to use my gas check. under 1500fps its plain base. i know you can push a pb boolit to 1600-1800fps but why bother.

[quilbilly]

My experience with my 308, 30/30, and 357 Max has been about 1450 plus/minus 50 so I keep my plain base velocities at about 1350 for no issues.

[gunseller]

You mean that around 2000 fps with an acww plain based bullet out of my 45-70 is too fast. I can hit pop cans at 100 yards with that load. Your firearm will tell you what is too fast. All will depend on you alloy and the lube and your firearm.
Steve

[KenH]

There is only 2 ways to tell if the cast bullet is going too fast.

1. Is there leading in barrel? AND this isn't a hard fast rule, make sure the bullet is correct diameter for your SLUGGED barrel.

2. Is it accurate? OR - is it more accurate at slower speeds?

If no leading, and bullet is accurate, then I wouldn't think it's too fast

[ghh3rd]

You could always powder coated, which I believe would be beneficial in this case.