Swaging cores?????

[abunaitoo]

Do the cores have to match the bullet????
22 core for only 22
30 core for only 30
I wanted to try something with swaging for a 357 but don't have a 38 core mold.

[Tatume]

No. The core should be smaller than the end product. Many swagers use lead wire that is considerably smaller. If you have a 30 caliber core mold, or really any bullet mold smaller than 357, you can use it to make 357 cores. I have even used two small cast bullets as one core. For example, two 125 grain cast 357 bullets will make one 250 grain 44 bullet.

[rancher1913]

the core just has to be the right weight, size matters not.

[MUSTANG]

The core should be reasonably close to the diameter of the inside of the Bullet Jacket. As an example, a 0.185 core is used for .223 bullets; but = one could also use it in larger caliber bullets - except when seating the core into a larger jacket (say a .308) the core will "Banana" under pressure. The longer the core the more probable it will bend under pressure. Not a big deal in a 0.185 being used in a .223; but if the core has a portion extending outside of the jacket, then a bent core can become problematic. Additionally; a bent core can cause the seating punch to skew to the side under pressure - damaging the jacket as pressure is put on seating the core into the jacket.


So answer is YES - BUT.

[PHyrbird]

got a 30cal or 8mm mold 125-180g? got core mold!!

[abunaitoo]

Never thought of using a boolet mold as a core mold.
I will try it out.
Thank you

[MUSTANG]

Never thought of using a boolet mold as a core mold.
I will try it out.
Thank you

I use a 6.5mm "Cruise Missle" mold as a "Core Mold" for swaging Paper Patch lead boolits of ~ 175 grains. 1st, I size a core from the 6.5mm donor in a Corbin Core Swage die to 0.298". I then use that core in a Corbin .301 lead swage mold with a small "Bleed Hole" in the nose ogive area and a Hemispherical (dimple) base to form a 175 Grain .301 Lead Boolit. Then Paper patch to appropriate diameter by selection of paper thickness; for most of my .30 rifles I go .310; but .309 for some when Paper Patched (Smokeless Powder).