Folks,
I'm fairly new at casting for rifles. I have an M1A and a C312-155-2R mold. My intention is buying the C312-155-2R was to use it with my AK. I have and it worked great. So I decided to take the next step and try cast boolits with the M1A. I've experimented. Shot about 300 rounds through it with cast. Broke down the rifle for cleaning and found not leading in barrel or gas system. Pretty sweet.
I do still have trouble with proper cycling. I've been using the Lyman manual to guide me, but there is no solid reference for the mold I'm using. At the moment I'm seeing 22/25 rounds fire, eject, and feed a round. On those 3, average, problem rounds pull the trigger and no joy. The firing pin strikes but does not ignite the primer.
I've experimented with the various recipes. Mainly by changing the COAL and increasing Powder charge by a grain at a time.
Here is the last I tried:
IMR 4198 - 24 grains (25 round batch with 1 grn Polyfill and 25 without - no difference seen)
COAL 2.710
Federal 210 primers
Winchester Brass
BHN 20
Gas checked
Sized to .311
Any hints or experiences to share?