"Light Boolit"

[DonH]

Can I get some feedback regarding the Lee 312-155 and 312-160 bullets? Is one better than the other? I am currently shooting 190 gr and 210gr bullets from a 4 groove 03A3 but would like to have a mold for a bullet in the weight range of these two mentioned above.
The plan is to settle on one of the heavier bullets and add a lighter one.

[Tatume]

The primary difference between the two is the lube grooves. The 155 version has a conventional lube groove, with which I've had much better performance than the tumble-lube style of the 160.

[DonH]

Thanks excess650. If your experience with the "160" works equally well in my 03A3 I could be leaving the heavier-bullet mold on he shelf.

[Larry Gibson]

A 311466 would perform much better in your '06 than either of the Lee bullets mentioned, both accuracy and velocity wise, and is in that weight range.

Larry Gibson

[357maximum]

I just happen to have a NOE version of the 311466 but haven't seen the results that I was looking for. Besides that, the OP was asking SPECIFICALLY about the Lee designs.

Trying to herd cats eh? Good luck with that.....may the farce be with you.

[Larry Gibson]

I just happen to have a NOE version of the 311466 but haven't seen the results that I was looking for. Besides that, the OP was asking SPECIFICALLY about the Lee designs.

Oh, well excuse me! Like no one EVER offers other advise...........

As to the results you were looking for?

Larry Gibson

[runfiverun]

well I finally found a use for my 311041.
I tried it in my 1917 thinking it would be just about right [and nope] it wanted the rcbs 30-150 same as the savage 110.
I had some leftover rounds and was taking the 03-A3 out and decided to get rid of those rounds so I could start off with fire formed brass in it and never mind I got my load right off.
tweak the rear sight for some height and done [shrug]
oh the load 18 grs of 2400 and a win LR primer.

[Larry Gibson]

consistent accuracy without resorting to H4895 and half a bale of pillow stuffing

Appears you bought into the rumor all I recommend is 4895 and a Dacron filler? That is unfortunate because the 311466 does exceedingly well with slower powders at 80+ % load density and at fairly high velocity in the old '06. It doesn't take witchcraft, years of understudy with the mystical guru either and walking the fabled rice paper.......

You want to know how and if so what is your idea of "consistent accuracy" at what velocity?


Larry Gibson

[Nrut]

consistent accuracy without resorting to H4895 and half a bale of pillow stuffing

Just fill the airspace with FFFg and thank me later..
LOL

[GhostHawk]

I have the .312155 by lee and it shoots fine in my Mosin's and my Yugo SKS.

However its big brother the .312185 shoots better IMO.

And I don't know who's been filling your ears about 4895, but it makes a very consistent safe reduced load for my Mosin's.
I'm working the accuracy ladder now. Frankly I love the stuff and it doesn't beat up my shoulder like a full load of 4350 would.

But that is just my experience.

[Tatume]

In every bottlenecked cartridge I've used it in, and some straight cartridges too, IMR4895 and H4895 have worked beautifully for reduced and full power loads and everything in between, without fillers. Some powders will produce more speed, and some pistol powders will produce less, but the various 4895s pretty well cover the spread.

Right now I'm working with the 358 Winchester. IMR4895 is pushing the RCBS 35-200-FN bullet from 1600 to 2250 fps, with great accuracy at all speeds tried. Tomorrow I'm going to test a near maximum load of H4895 with the Sierra 225 grain bullet, in preparation for using the BLR on a hog hunt the following week. I expect excellent results.

Take care, Tom

[Larry Gibson]

Both the Lee C312-155 and the C312-160 will do well in the '06, especially the '03s. Just depends on what one's "consistent accuracy" expectation is at what velocity. I use the C312-155 as it also is excellent in the 7.62x39 and find with 2400, 4759 and 4227 with Dacron fillers accuracy is excellent in the 1600 - 1950 fps range........consistent also. However, I want to push into the 2100 fps range a switch to 4895 (I mostly use milsurp) with a Dacron filler. If I want to push to 2300 - 2400 fps then the 311466 comes into play (the LBT 30-160-SP is excellent here also) loaded over RL19, AA4350 or H4831SC with no filler needed.


I have only limited use with the C312-160 and it was in the 7.62x39, the 54R and the .303 Brit. No reason it should do as well in the '06. My only criticism as such is it is a TL bullet with limited lube capacity. and I never got it to do well above 1900 fps. But, I didn't really try that hard either so others may have had better results(?).

Larry Gibson

[DonH]

Thanks Larry. That info is just what I am looking for. I will file away your advise regarding the 311466. The 1600 to 1950 range is where I am for now. I want accuracy but don,t see matches with this rifle in the near future but who knows. I think I will try one of the Lee molds since they don't cost much and I also have a .303.