Lee molds data

[grumpy1]

I have several Lee boolit molds but the load data is scarce. For example I want to try some casts from a DC C309-160-R mold but I can't find load data for that boolit. Can I use data for a similar weight and design for an other boolit? For example the Lyman #311672 looks very similar and is the same weight so I would like to know if it is safe to use the data for the 160 gr. Lyman boolit for the 160 gr. Lee.
Thanks guys

[Conditor22]

grumpy1.
It is OK to use the load data for a similar (or heavier) weight boolit, just start at the minimum load and work your way up until you find the sweet spot

[RED BEAR]

I will admit i don't look at the exact bullet i load by powder and bullet weight. But i always start low to midway never go right to max.

[toallmy]

Me 2 .

[trapper9260]

grumpy1.
It is OK to use the load data for a similar (or heavier) weight boolit, just start at the minimum load and work your way up until you find the sweet spot

I say the same thing.I also do the same.

[Dieselhorses]

I do the same in certain instances but also watch seating depth. (Different seating depths doesn't mean the base is different height from powder as ogive differs.)

[GregLaROCHE]

I never use jacketed bullet data for cast. I always start with the closest, but heavier cast boolit and work up. Sometimes I take a chance and load heavier loads at the same time, knowing that I may have to pull them apart in the future.

[charlie b]

If you have Lee dies then they sometimes include cast load data. If you don't have the Lee dies you can get the Lee reloading book.

But, some cartridges they do not list cast data for, like the .308Win.

[Walks]

Get the Lyman #4 Cast Bullet Handbook. It's a great Reference.

And it also lists Overall Cartridge Length. Or OAL, that is a good reference (no pun intended) point to start.

[Norske]

Richard Lee's handloading book will have that data, and the section about cast bullet hardness (okay it's an ad for his hardness tester) is valuable.

[17nut]

Richard Lee's handloading book will have that data, and the section about cast bullet hardness (okay it's an ad for his hardness tester) is valuable.

Except for the 1422 rule hogwash!
It only states when a given alloy starts to plasticise ie deform ie bump up.
It is not gospel as to hardness and bullet speed.
I shoot 97/3 (BHN 8) to @ 1600fps in rifles and have done for years, in my Marlin 1894 44MAG microgroove i push a 94/3/3 (BHN 12) alloy past 1750fps with a check.

[Bazoo]

Lees manual does not give data specific for their bullets. They do offer cast data, but it's acquired from the powder manufacturers, same as their jacketed data. The Lee manual is available free but I can't link it on the wife's phone.

[MT Gianni]

I think it is a lot closer to using bearing surfaces to interchange data than weight. The side walls is where friction is occurring. A nose rider will have different loads than a louverin of similar weights.

[reddog81]

The Lee book has lots of data but unlike most manuals it doesn’t specify which exact bullet is being used and it most certainly doesn’t give load data for their molds like most assume it would. When using the Lee book you’re kind of guessing that the load data is appropriate for the bullet design you are using.

If the Lyman and Lee bullets have similar profiles I’d be fine using the load data.

[Pablo 5959]

https://archive.org/stream/Modern_Re...d_Lee#mode/2up

Here you go.

[Tom W.]

I have that mold, only an ancient single cavity model, and use loads from a Lyman manual. I shoot single shot rifles, both a 30-06 A.I. and a 30/30 A.I and it does well.