View Full Version : bullet weight variation
tgrif
11-27-2012, 12:57 PM
What is an acceptable weight variation in cast bullets? I was given some .357 158gr SWC GC and the weights vary from 155.9 to 165.4. If this is acceptable, what load data would I use?
cbrick
11-27-2012, 04:41 PM
Welcome to CastBoolits tgrif,
Acceptable for what? Short range pistol plinking? Long range rifle?
In a round number that's a 10% variation in weight. Load data could also depend on what your shooting and a 10% weight variation wouldn't be good for accuracy.
A little more info is needed to get you answers.
Rick
williamwaco
11-28-2012, 08:52 PM
I normally say weighing handgun bullets is a waste of time.
I normally see a variation of no more than 3 grains extreme spread.
I suspect these were cast at different times from significantly different alloys.
Are you sure these are all cast in the same mold?
I personally would melt them and recast them.
Since this is your first post, I am going to assume you are not yet a caster.
Assuming they are all the same mold, and all are completely filled out, and you are not yet a caster,
I would divide those into two groups 160 and under and over 160.
Since you have no idea of the alloy, don't load these HOT.
runfiverun
11-28-2012, 10:17 PM
just use 158 gr boolit data.
when first starting out weighing your results will let you know something.
i'd bet that something is a progression of mold/alloy temp throughout a casting session.
it is good to understand what is happening.
you also start understanding why some use a hot plate for their molds,count time, watch the sprue, open the mold by hand, use a thermometer,and all the other stuff we do.
bruce381
11-29-2012, 03:22 AM
ounce I weighted some of my 200 gr SWC from cold to hot mold they varied about 1% then hot <.5%
45-70 Chevroner
11-29-2012, 11:14 AM
tgrif! Where have you been for almost 5 years did you get lost? Just kidding. [smilie=s: That is a pretty big difference. I would do as williamwaco suggested, or just re-melt them and cast up some fresh ones.
soldierbilly1
11-29-2012, 11:45 AM
tgrif: when you weighed them, were they greased? with the gas checks?
bill boy
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