cast bullet weight

[rojo]

hi guys , i cast alot from range lead and some free linotype added in and always my bullets weigh more than the mold stated weight ??
i usually get 5 or 6 grains above the weight ? :holysheep

[bumpo628]

I believe molds are "calibrated" to drop a particular weight for a particular alloy. I think Lee uses Linotype as their standard alloy, so alloys that are more dense (higher Pb %) will weigh more.

[*Paladin*]

My molds throw heavy. Like bumpo says, it just depends on the alloy the manufacturer cal'd them for.

[Calamity Jake]

Lyman uses there #2 alloy for mold weight calculations.

RCBS uses Lino.

Don't know about the others.

[Dale53]

Lee uses 10/1 lead/tin, reportedly.

Frankly, I don't worry about it. I just ignore the slight differences.

The worst offender is my RCBS 45-270-SAA bullet. It is cataloged at 270 grs but runs 285 grs with WW+2% tin. Seems to make "no-never mind"...

Dale53

[white eagle]

tom @ Accuratemolds asks what type of metal
is being used
I think for general purposes he catalogs with ww
I wouldn't worry to much about 5-6 gr diff.

[bumpo628]

Lee uses 10/1 lead/tin, reportedly.

Thanks for the correction.

[Skipper488]

My wheel weights in my Lee 230 grain mold cast about 232-234 grains.

[fredj338]

AS noted, most molds are "calibrated" using an alloy between #2 & Lino, both fairly light wt compared to range lead & even 50/50 mix w/ lino.