Casting with pure lead

[EDP1]

Can you cast 30/30 bullets out of pure lead or does it need to be harder?

[largom]

The only pure lead boolits I cast are for black powder muzzle loaders. For 30-30 boolits a mix of 1/2 lead and 1/2 wheel weights is a good place to start.

Larry

[I'll Make Mine]

The exception to the above is if you paper patch your bullets; they can then be significantly softer than would stand the same ballistics as either plain base or even gas checked. For .30-30 ballistics, you could probably shoot a 180 or heavier bullet with paper patch starting from a pure lead core and get good results.

[Bullshop]

Yes you can and you will be able to shoot them to perhaps 1500 fps or more if they are gas checked and they fit the rifle and you have a barrel in good condition.
Remember this though there is never one right alloy for any certain caliber but there is always a right alloy for a certain pressure.

[nhrifle]

Good observation Bullshop. There is an extensive writeup on the subject of pressure in the Lee Reloading manual, explaining its effects on cast boolits. Well worth reading for everyone.