Beginning caster

[Whitedog]

Decided to cast my own for my 1894C. I used to cast for a 1863 zouave but this is different. The mold I'm gonna start with is a Lee 358-158-RF. I have a few questions for you experienced casters.

Alloy or pure lead?
Sizing?
Leading issues I need to watch for.

Thanks

[docone31]

I use wheel weight, water quenched. I size to .358 although .359 might do also. I pan lube.
I have experienced no leading issues whatsoever. That is a good mold.

[snaggdit]

+1 on WW, although water quenching isn't completely necessary IMHO. The WW should be hard enough as is. If you load hot loads, you might consider it for the velocity.

[IllinoisCoyoteHunter]

use alloy lead ( WW's work great). Pure lead will be a little on the soft side my friend. Have the same mold and love it. Good luck.

[PatMarlin]

Welcome to cast boolit heaven Whitedog! ..:drinks:

[Sprue]

Welcome Aboard!

I use straight Wheel Weights for all my shooting. Sometimes I water drop them, sometimes I don't but it is a little easier to water drop.

I cast for 38 spl, 357Mag w/gc, 44Mag, 45acp, 9mm and 45/70 in rifle. All straight WW.

My caliber of choice though is 38spl. Here is the boolit design that I use in everything (same load) from my snubs to six inchers to the 1894C lever.

As for sizing, I'm having great results (no leading) sizing at .357

I just finished loading these (#300) up.

RCBS 38-150-SWC :

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh266/spilihp_2007/6e19c413.jpg

[Bret4207]

Straight WW. As for size I would go as large as your rifle will reliably chamber. If that means unsized, as they fall from the mould, so much the better. If you get leading 4/0 steel wool or Chore Boy copper scrubber on a bore brush will fix it.