I'm very new to casting, not to firearms, but I've always purchased my bullets. I've cast #4 buckshot and slugs and they turned out great but due to the political climate I think it would be a very good idea to start casting 9mm (125ish grains) and .30 bullets as well. I know very little about bullet casting so anything that you write is far more than I know; I will definitely absorb it. The .30 bullets will be both light (~110-130 grains) and >200grains for use in 300BLK. Velocity will be near 2000fps maximum with the light bullets and near subsonic with the heavies.
I was looking at bullet moulds online yesterday and I understand about grease grooves. I saw some moulds that produce bullets with much smaller rings and maybe 6-8 of them (LEE?). I don't think they're grease grooves, they sure don't look like any grease grooves I've ever seen before. What are they for? And do I want them?
Is 2000fps with wheelweights too high for cast with no gas check?
I intend to powder coat my bullets if that's required information. For sizing I have a single stage press and I'll get a push through die. I have maybe 1500# of wheel weights.
Thanks folks, I appreciate any help you can give.