PDA

View Full Version : Newbie getting started?



Deadeye
10-22-2008, 11:54 PM
I've done my home work & played around enough to get confident that I can cast a good bullet. I want to start out just casting some handgun bullets for range blasting. I don't have much $$ in my budget but do have a lot of WW lead. I'll be casting .38, .44 & .45cal. bullets & plan to keep them under 1200fps.

As near as I can tell thru my research, straight WW lead that is Quenched should run about 18bhn. Does that sound about right? Will they handle the type of loads listed above?

I don't have & cannot afford a hardness tester at this time so if I start adding to the mix I'll just be guessing.

docone31
10-23-2008, 12:00 AM
Non gas checked castings should handle what you are seeking.
I believe leading is more sizing then hardness. Lube also plays a factor.
I size to .358 for my revolves both in .357, and .38spl, and .452 in my ACPs.
Good grouping, no leading. I also water drop from the mold, and make my own lube.
I don't know about .44 I do not have one.
I don't have an hardness tester either. I never did.
I use Kitty Litter for flux in the pot. Works great.

454PB
10-23-2008, 12:26 AM
Wheelweight alloy will work fine for what you want to do. Gas checks are not required, but if and when you want to see full potential with the .44 magnum, a gas checked design takes a lot of hassle out of it.

Deadeye
10-23-2008, 11:58 AM
Thanks guys! I'll be casting in a few days I'll let you know how they work.
I would love to cast some GC bullet for my .44mag but can't afford GCs right now.

vanilla_gorilla
10-23-2008, 12:26 PM
Appropriate that this thread should be started, since I was coming here to ask almost the exact same questions. I'm interested in mostly pushing the .44 to 1200 and the .357 to max loads. Is there a concern with pushing water dropped WWs up to the 1300-1400fps range?

I'd prefer not to go with gas checks for that particular bullet, but I will if I just have to. I'm really looking to run the 358429 instead.

Buckshot
10-23-2008, 11:22 PM
Appropriate that this thread should be started, since I was coming here to ask almost the exact same questions. I'm interested in mostly pushing the .44 to 1200 and the .357 to max loads. Is there a concern with pushing water dropped WWs up to the 1300-1400fps range?

I'd prefer not to go with gas checks for that particular bullet, but I will if I just have to. I'm really looking to run the 358429 instead.

...............Welcome to the board! Offhand I'd think that there shouldn't be a problem with a PB at 1400 fps from your 357. However, things will have to be 'right' with the revolver (I assume it is), and your load. Water dropped WW should be fine for the boolits.

...............Buckshot

missionary5155
10-24-2008, 04:26 AM
Greetings and WELCOME DEADEYE !
+1 on the right SIZE boolit !!! In 38 special, 357 mag and 44-40 revolver and rifle I am firing some real soft lead (finger nail cut, #2 pencil lead gouge)...There are no used WW available down here. Nothing gets discarded. My 357 load is 7 grain Unique, Ideal 358432 165gr wc, no leading out my S&W 19-5 and very accurate. My 44-40 load is 8-9 grains unique, saeco 443 (.434 220gr) or Rapine 429260 (.433 260gr) in Colt New SERVICE or my 1892 Winny 18 inch SRC. VERY accurate and GARENTEED expansion. No leading.
My lube is LLA (pistol)or 50/50 beeswax-axle grease (rifle)