Shooting my first cast bullets

I just recently picked up a Henry 45 colt and a Marlin JM stamped 30-30. I've got all kinds of data for the 45 but can't find much load information in the 2 loading manuals I have for cast in the 30-30. I ordered some #4 whitetail hunters 165 grain lubed but no gas checks from Missouri bullets. I've used Hodgdon web site and have tried a few loads using H4895. Have ran them from 17 grains to 26. 26 being over max but no issues unless I wind up with severe leading. Ran a few using 10 grains of Unique but am looking for a good hunting load. I'm thinking of ordering some laser cast from Midway with gas checks but want to chronograph these and check accuracy first. Any advise on some loads for these bullets and how fast I should run them and not over lead my barrel? If the lead performs better I am going to start casting my own.

wendyj welcome to CB If you decided to start casting to save money, forget it. You won't, you'll just shoot more.
Casting boolits (lead bullets) properly is a science, once you know the basics, not a hard science.
There is a lot of good information on CB. The Google search (top right of every forum page) is a gateway to all the knowledge on this forum. IF you can’t find your answer there ask the question (Please be as detailed as possible, pictures help http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...g-screen-shots I would be very surprised if there wasn’t someone on this forum that could answer ANY question you might have)
http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell_Book_Contents.htm
1. Boolits need to be cast .0005 to .003 over the slugged diameter of your barrel for accuracy and to avoid leading. If the fit is wrong nothing else will work right.
a. slugging a barrel (it is safer to use a brass rod or a steel rod with a couple of coats of tape to avoid damaging your barrel http://7.62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinSlug.htm
b. chamber casting https://www.brownells.com/guntech/ce....htm?lid=10614
or pound casting http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...rifle-chamber)
2. the right alloy needs to be used for the velocity and purpose of the boolit (don’t fall into the trap of going with to hard an alloy
Economical way to easily test lead hardness
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...rdness-testing
https://i.imgur.com/TGUQsIe.jpg
Some alloys harden over time
http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell_Book_Chap...Metallurgy.htm
different alloy’s different end sizes
https://i.imgur.com/emuBC2T.png?1
Lead alloy calculator
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/atta...4&d=1341560870
3. velocity the bullet needs to be pushed hard/fast enough to get the proper spin, have the proper velocity to accurately reach the target but not so hard as to be dangerous or strip the lead off in the grooves instead of spinning the boolit..
Powders range from fast to slow, you need to choose the right powder for your application.
Loading manuals list the best powders for certain calibers and boolit weights.
NEVER use any posted noncommercial load data without first checking to see if falls in the safe parameter for your firearm!! There are several firearms out there that can handle much higher pressures than others!!
Link to free online load data
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...online-sources

Grmps, I really appreciate all those web sights. I'm waiting on Lyman manual to arrive. I have slugged the bores in both rifles and am using a .452 in the 45 Henry and a .311 in the Marlin 30-30. I used to shoot 8-10 times a year and when I started loading now I go at least once a week. It cost for bullets, primers and powder but I found accuracy I couldn't get with factory ammo. Started shooting out to 1200 yards with a few bolt guns I have and run through hand gun rounds like crazy. I just got a lever bug and cast seemed the cheapest way to shoot and reload. Next purchase is a 357 and 44 in lever and I've been eyeballing a 45-70 sharps. I think as I get older I am liking the older guns.

welcome to the silver stream

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Originally Posted by wendyj

Grmps, I really appreciate all those web sights. I'm waiting on Lyman manual to arrive. I have slugged the bores in both rifles and am using a .452 in the 45 Henry and a .311 in the Marlin 30-30. I used to shoot 8-10 times a year and when I started loading now I go at least once a week. It cost for bullets, primers and powder but I found accuracy I couldn't get with factory ammo. Started shooting out to 1200 yards with a few bolt guns I have and run through hand gun rounds like crazy. I just got a lever bug and cast seemed the cheapest way to shoot and reload. Next purchase is a 357 and 44 in lever and I've been eyeballing a 45-70 sharps. I think as I get older I am liking the older guns.

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My .357 lever guns are the most used. Mostly using .38 Spl brass and loads.

Your .45 will do everything a .44 Mag will do...so not sure I would see a need for it. If I was to add another lever it would be in .41 Mag.

3031 is a good powder for the .30/30.

Welcome to the madness

I use 3031 with jacketed but couldn't find any info for cast. I've ordered some 454 brass to trim down to 45 colt for a little more charge in the 45. Husband has revolvers in 454 -45 and 41 mag. A 41 mag rifle would be a good addition.

Welcome to the sight wendyj. I have both the 357 and 44 levers and both are a hoot to shoot. I like the 357 more since it uses less everything and hits everything I aim it at. You will be happy with either one. But it sounds like you have your eye set on both. Good thinking.

You may need 311 cast from lazerecast. MBC were good but still a problem with the no-throat Marlins. Jamming the lands gives better accuracy but can be hard on the action. I gave up and designed my own.