311291?

[JDL]

Have any of you had good results when the nose is .002" too small on a 291? I just cast up some from a newly acquired Ideal 311291 and found this problem.
JDL

[bobk]

The older ones were a bit small. Since the full size area is about 60% of the length, it may not matter, so I've been told. It's been around longer than any of us have, and is still in production.

Bob K

[dubber123]

I had a Lyman that cast about .002" too small for my rifle, it shot around 1.25 to 1.5" at 50 yds. When the group buy 311291's came around, I got one. Lee cut the nose .002" bigger than spec'd. Alot of people sent theirs back for this reason, but I kept mine. The same loads now shoot .5" at 50 yds. The nose seems pretty important to my rifle.

[idahoron]

I am going to try to paper patch mine. Ron

[Char-Gar]

311291 has been in production for over 100 years and molds can be found that throw bullets all over the map. .002 under bore is not unusual for recent molds.

Now here is the good news.. the Barlow designed 311291 has been such a sucess for a reason, and that reason is good basic design. This bullet is about 50% body and 50% nose and the nose really does not need to be supported by the lands to give decent performance. It is not a true "bore rider" design.

Before you wring your hands and get concerned, shoot some. I think you will be plesantly suprised. .002 undersize nose won't give you the best accuracy ,but it will be usable accuracy.

[35 Whelen]

I'd just shoot the durned thing. Here's a couple of targets produced by my 311291:
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/03A3/31129110shot.jpg
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/03A3/311291Targetmod.jpg

I've even shot these bullets in my .303 Enfields and Mosins with good success.
35W