.22 diameters as-cast

[gnoahhh]

Is anybody working with a .22 mold in 45-60 grain size that throws them at an as-cast diameter of .227-.228? The reason I'm asking is that I work with Savage 99 .22 HiPowers that have that size groove diameters. Molds for that size are rare and limited in weights/designs. I'm thinking that if a "regular".22 mold is throwing bullets a skinch big in diameter, they might work as- cast after a trip through the .228 sizer to lube and crimp on the GC.

I worked up a pretty decent turkey load with the Ideal 228367 60 gr. at 1800fps but accuracy down around the speed of sound level is not crisp enough for head shooting squirrels out past 30-40 yds. Hence my need to try an alternative approach.

If anybody feels they're in a position to help with this experiment, feel free to shoot me a PM.

Thank you.

[JeffinNZ]

I recently 'Beagled' my 225462 and got the as cast up to .227-.228 which, as it turns out, was more a hinderance. Worked well though.

[Bullshop]

I have the RCBS mold for the Hi power.

[justingrosche]

I have the Lyman # 228367 that casts .2275
wt. 59.5
Justin

[Kirk Miller]

Gnoahh:
I may be able to help. My .22 NOE mold casts between .227-.228 and 60gr. A few months ago I borrowed an old SC Lyman 225415. It casts .227-.229 and by the time I'd size it down for my 222 rem mag, the lube groove would almost be gone.

These are all cast with a 3ww/1lino mix. I'm pretty sure, my measurements are correct, but YMMV.

Shoot me a PM, and we'll work something out.
Kirk

[Bret4207]

Oh boy, the Hi Power is one of those rounds that tests your patience, eh? I had one on layaway till I had a giant sized fall out with the shop owner (sold a rifle with my name on it to someone else). My intentions were to paper patch- until I tried it!!! No way these fingers can PP a .22 60 gr boolit!!!

Were it me, failing the chance of finding a "Fat 22", I'd see if someone would cut one for me. I'd go for something around 65-70 gr, FN, probably a Loverin if I could. That would be the cats IMO.

[gnoahhh]

Thanks guys.

Yes, the .22HP is a challenge. That's mainly due to the larger bore diameter and the 1-12" twist Savage used in the 1899's. That slow twist is on the ragged edge for stabilizing long bullets. In the world of jacketed stuff a 70 grainer must be a RN or semi-RN design. The Hornady 70 gr. spire points are too long to stabilize well and give catch-as-catch-can accuracy (which I feel has contributed to the HP's reputation of not being accurate). I made a trim die to shorten the buggers .1" (to 68 gr.) and cured that problem. Remember, it's not bullet weight that determines proper rate of twist, it's bullet length.

That said, 60 gr. cast bullets seem to be velocity sensitive. My 228367 60 gr., and the RCBS 60 gr. cast I bought from Bullshop a couple years ago, shoot very accurately at the higher end- 1600 to 2000fps. That's fine and dandy but a little more oomph than I wish to expend on squirrels. Those loads tear the hell out of them. Ergo, my desire for a lighter bullet going a lot slower. Any one of the 1/2 dozen .22 target rifles I own would simplify the problem but I'm determined to do it the hard way. You now how it is!

Anyway, Kirk I'll fire off a PM shortly. Thanks for your interest.

Bret, a 60-70 gr. FN Loverin style would be the cat's-ass I'll agree. The FN would be necessary to keep the length as short as possible. Maybe have one cavity GC'ed and the other a PB. I'm still tempted to experiment with alloys and powders to achieve decent accuracy with a 60 grainer at over 2000fps for a close range deer load. A 70 gr. jacketed bullet at 2700fps smacks them down nicely, I'm here to tell you, but I wonder if going slower/lighter with cast would fall into the realm of trick shooting and not be fair to the animal.

[Bret4207]

I always thought of it as a walking varmint gun, not a deer rifle. A FN Loverin would put the weight where it needs to be and smack them nicely.