Results....noe 316299

[BruceB]

The 4-cavity 316299 arrived last week. Today was the first chance to wring it out.

The only preparation was the NOE-recommended cycling of the mould three times from room temp to 425 degrees and back.

Over 75 minutes, I cast something over 1,000 bullets. One mould-full, four bullets, was set aside from the middle of the casting run. Examination of these four shows:

Weight (in my straight wheelweight alloy): 208.1, 207.6, 208.0, 207.8.... one-half of one grain spread.

Nose diameter: .302 for all four bullets

Base-band diameter: .315, .3145, .3145, .315

Measurements were done with a Mitutoyo digital caliper which only reads to .0005".

These are very consistent results. In addition, the vast majority of the bullets dropped freely from the mould when it was opened. This mould is worth every penny, and the waiting period was worth it as well.

Now to see how my .303s like the bullets...!

[Blammer]

Wow! that's a LOT of boolits in a short time!

at least for me....

sounds like you have a winner!

[dualsport]

I gotta get mine fired up and see what it gives. The specs were .316/.305. I need it as fat as possible for what I'm casting for. Are there any good tricks(besides beagling) to get the maximum dimensions from a mold? Maybe mess with the alloy? I understand these molds need to be used good and hot, which is the way I roll! Maybe I'll cut out early tomorrow and come home to cast some up, the suspense is severe. .3145/.302?! I'm holding a Lyman 314299 in my hand that is .314/.301 from linotype. (Sorry, just worrying out loud. I need to make some before I freak out. I'll bite my tongue.)

[Doc Highwall]

Do not forget to do the mould break in recommended by N.O.E. I have to do it myself and reminding you maybe I will remember to do it for my N.O.E. moulds.

[dualsport]

Thanks for the reminder Doc, I'll do the break in tonite.

[dualsport]

Great news! Did a small test batch after all the prep, dropping nicely at .316/.3045 with immeasureable variation. I'll take it!! Sorry for acting like such an old lady, those numbers were scarin' me. Weights are very consistent(I got a DC), averaging 209.5, +/- .5 at most. These will work great in my MNs, 1891 Arg., and a couple tight .303s. One I have needs a .318. I'm also looking forward to trying them in my SMLE 7.62 Ishy. Oh, my alloy is a mystery batch, it's what was in the pot from making blasting ammo for the .38. Good job Swede and NOE!! Thanks for a great mold and a good deal.

[BruceB]

Seems like an apology is in order.

When I dug out my digital MICROMETER, the battery was flat and I had no spare on hand. It may well be that my digital CALIPER may also have a last-legs battery, but I'm not certain.

Anyway, with a fresh battery aboard the micrometer indicates that my 316299s have noses which measure very close to .304", NOT the .302" as reported by the caliper.

So, I'm sorry for that, and you guys can now cut back on the blood-pressure medications. All is well.

The bullets will not enter the muzzles of my .303s, one of 1914 vintage and the other dating from 1955.

[dualsport]

No problem Bruce, all's well that ends well. Did the nose in the muzzle thing too, looking good for my fat thirties.