what are people using for 223 core molds?

[sly mantis]

Hi
Just wondering what people are using to cast 223 core for 22lr jacketed bullets.
I have a swage dies set on the way and will need something to cast cores with. I have a fair bit of soft lead so id rather cast than have to buy lead wire.

Thanks

[sargenv]

I got a Lee blank 6 cavity mold and drilled my own holes to .1875".. I still need perfect the process, but if they are a bit heavy, I trim them and put them through the core swage die to get my "perfect" core..

[khamill2000]

Where did you get the blank and how much was it?

Nevermind. Found it.

http://leeprecision.com/bullet-casting/blank-molds/

[BT Sniper]

I plan to offer the same thing some day.

I think Lee offers blanks for $50. I can't believe they sell it for more then you can buy any of the others.

BT

[fcvan]

I saw where one poster bored core molds on the underside of a different mold. I suppose you could buy an extra sprue plate from Lee, drill and tap for the plate, and then mark/bore your core mold. I also saw where someone bored the core mold to hold the de-rimmed case so the cores were cast in the jacket to bond inside. I thought that was so cool so I poured alloy directly into .22 cases by holding them with pliers and putting the case against the pour spout. It worked ok and the cores did seem bonded with the inside of the .22 case. Frank

[runfiverun]

masscaster [airc] makes and sells 22 core molds about once a year.
single cavity but adjustable.
there is another dude on the evil-bay that sells them for about 50 bucks.

[Reload3006]

This is what I made to use for 30 caliber. the same thing would wok for 224. But you would need .187 diameter. I like the Lee Idea what i used for the bottom was just a piece of plate steel. Bore all the way through at tap drill size probably for a 10-32 then just open it up to .187 they work great.

[Sonnypie]

Gee, you guys are easy.

Blank double cavity mold $19.49
Blank 6 cavity mold. $39.14

[alfloyd]

I extrude lead wire and then run them thru a core swage die to make them the same weight.
This works a lot better than casting cores, as the are all the same weight.

The only advantage of casting cores, in my opinion, is that you can use a harder lead for the core. You can still run them thru the core swage die if you cast them out of harder lead. Lead wire extruding requires me to use only soft lead to work with my equipment.

Lafaun

[BT Sniper]

One more advantage to casting cores is money saved. This way for those of use that don't have the abitlity to extrude wire we can purchase the lead for the going rate of about $1/lb and cast cores at about half the cost vs. buying wire. Although Lafaun does have the best going rate for wire.

I'll still swage the cores unless by some miracle the cast cores come out all within .3 grains.

BT

p.s. thanks sonny for the link. I just ordered 3 of them. Going to make a 22 and 30 cal adjustable mold out of them. Probably make it a 11 cavity mold too! AWESOME!

[Sonnypie]

B T,
Glad to help if I can.
I'm a caster, myself.
But I can dream....

They have the best prices I have found.

11 core? Holy Moly!
Or should we say... Holey Moldy?

[miestro_jerry]

How big a hole do I need to drill for 38Spl/9mm core and for 45 ACP core?

Thanks,

Jerry

[alfloyd]

Diameter of cores for cal.

Cal - Dia
223 -.185
30 - .218
38 - .312
40 - .340
44 - .365
45 - .365

This is the size of lead wire that is cut and ran thru the core swage die.

Hope this helps.

Lafaun

[Reload3006]

I personally cast cores but I then swage them in my core swage die to uniform them. I only cast cores to save money on the lead wire as it usually runs a little over 3 dollars a pound.

[alfloyd]

I make and sell lead wire. It comes in what ever dia that you want.
Cost is $2.50 per pound plus shipping.

I also make the core swage die that works in a reloading press.
Cost is $105.00 delivered to your door.

Thanks
Lafaun

[Gunto]

alfloyd any pictures of swage die?

[gvanzeggelaar]

This is a core made by Up North (tim) He is on this forum. It works very well. I highly recommend him. It is made from a blank lee 6 cavity mold and is adjustable

[alfloyd]

alfloyd any pictures of swage die?

Yes, here is one. It if for use of .187 dia lead slugs. It makes a core that is
.195 in dia.



Here is another.



If you need more info, just let me know.

Lafaun

[FWest]

I have 3 of Lafaun's dies. Great dies for a fair price.

[Utah Shooter]

I have 3 of Lafaun's dies. Great dies for a fair price.

I am happy with my Squirt die as well. Works like a charm.