Correct (Best) Lyman Bullet or IS IT

[DnB54]

As you can see by the number of my post that I'm pretty new to this forum. My main squeeze (excuse the pun) is a Rem 700 .308PSS. What are the best lyman bullets to use. I have a 311041 and a 311414. I have read both Lyman books, but their information is pretty general for the 308. I know some of you have been in this end of the sport for a long time and have tons of experience and I would like a little advice. Maybe Lyman isn't the way to go for this rifle and a mold supplied by one of our sponsors would be best. I've reloaded for many years in the lighter calibers using jacketed bullets (pause here...slap face..). Decided to pursue casting after a good buddy told me "Don't use cast bullets, you'll ruin your gun". Being one to never follow the crowd, I find myself here, ready to go.
Thx~Dave

[MT Gianni]

First find out of what ya got works.

[Le Loup Solitaire]

Hi and welcome to the forum. Lyman 311414 is a somewhat older design. It is currently not listed in the Midway catalog. I don't think that it is still in production. It has a short bullet body which is ideal for the 308 that has a short neck. There might be velocity limitation on it because of its similarity to the 311413. Those spitzer shapes worked ok at medium velocities, but when jacked up over 1500-1600 fps, they went off tilt in the bore and didn't shoot so well. 311041 is really 311291 with the round nose chopped off. Both are excellent designs; the 291 has been around for around a century and is very well regarded. El Problemo with Lyman these days is that they are turning out molds that are undersize in the nose section and that is not good for accuracy. So, many casters are forced to "beagle" the mold, or lap it out or send it back to Lyman for replacement. Whether you stick with Lyman is strictly your call, but a look around at RCBS, Saeco or Lee might offer a good alternative, as well as one of the offerings from the sponsors listed on the forum. Look around and ask questions on the forum about specific mold designs and manufacturers. Someone will always answer you with opinions, and the benefit of experience. As to cast bullets ever ruining your, or anybody else's gun, your good buddy should not really hold his breath waiting for that to happen. Mine, after 50 years are still doing very well. Good luck. LLS

[Blammer]

I'd try the 311041 first, I'm betting you'll find a load to shoot in that easy.

First I'd query what powder to try with the 308. That will get you going in the right direction for sure.

btw, welcome!

[DnB54]

Thanks for the advice. As far as powders, I have several to try, RL7, IMR4198, SR4759,
and some Red Dot. I was wondering about the NOE 311-180 that was done for the K31.
Any thoughts about the powders or the mold?

[Calamity Jake]

Thanks for the advice. As far as powders, I have several to try, RL7, IMR4198, SR4759,
and some Red Dot. I was wondering about the NOE 311-180 that was done for the K31.
Any thoughts about the powders or the mold?

It will be to small on the nose.

As stated above, try your 311041 at .310 Ø, a good lube with
18-20 of SR4759.
RCBS 30-180-SP and Saeco 301 or 305 are also good ones.