Question about round ball .454 from Lee

[Animal]

I have a 6cav Lee .454 round ball mould that I purchased from Track of the Wolf. I've never cast round balls before, but I decided to give it a try since I had a small stash of pure lead.

If I measure the ball from the sprue cut to the opposite end, I get a measurement of .440. Any other 2 points that I measure give .454 or a bit larger. Is this normal?

I don't have a gun to test these in. I just thought it would be nice to have the mould in case I ever do have a gun to shoot them in :bigsmyl2:

[Screwbolts]

Yes, load with the sprue facing up as you set the ball on the patch.

[lightman]

Thats what I do. I shoot a 50 caliber and cast .490 round balls out of cable sheathing.

[Animal]

Thanks folks!

[gwpercle]

When loading with any round balls , handgun , rifle or cannon , you always place the sprue cut up so it exits the barrel muzzle first , size is one reason and it helps maintain a straight and true flight .

[bedbugbilly]

No different that casting a ball in an old style "bag mold" whee y ou cut the sprue off with the handles - sprue up.

[Beerd]

sprue up or sprue down, shots the same for me.
just easier to see that it's centered if loaded sprue up.
..