View Full Version : Correct Boolet Diameter
jgh4445
10-19-2013, 01:58 PM
I cast a bunch of boolits from a Lyman 35863, 4 cavity mold. I was expecting a diameter of well, 358. What I got was a pretty consistent 354,355.
Same problem with a Lyman 450229 Hollow base 45. I was expecting 452 and I get 448, 449. What do I need to add to my pure lead to increase a diameter?
I'm gonna try the HB 45's in a 1858 New Army replica. The weight is pretty consistent 149-150 gr. I'm thinking the small diameter will lead the barrel. Thinking the same with the 38 wad cutters. Opinions?
Pure lead drops smaller than lead, tin, antinony alloys. Lyman claims nominal diameter with Lynan #2 alloy. Often recent Lyman molds have been found too small even at that.
prs
jgh4445
10-19-2013, 08:01 PM
Thanks prs. I have some wheel weights, I'll try that. Can you tell me what I'd add ( and how much) to pure lead or WW to get Lyman #2?
Shiloh
10-19-2013, 09:32 PM
Under size mold are frustrating. I have several. My best ones are my .358 molds which all drop .358 minimum. Oversize can be dealt with.
SHiloh
Le Loup Solitaire
10-19-2013, 10:41 PM
For the 358063, .354 is unacceptable. As soon as you go to Wheelweight metal that should increase especially if you add up to 2% tin. Of course components can be increased with a corresponding increase in bullet diameter. See if you can locate the Terracorp formula; it was used as a reference by Saeco for those looking to increase as-cast bullet diameters by altering tin-antimony ratios. If you can get diameters up to a tad over .357 you will be in the ballpark. LLS
runfiverun
10-20-2013, 12:16 AM
straight linotype might get your 355 diameter 35 cal mold to 357 barely, maybe on a good day if you hold your tongue right.
you got 2 choices.
1. try the ww alloy then send the molds back with the samples and have them repaired.
or 2. learn to lap a mold out, this option comes in real handy when/if ordering other lyman molds.
geargnasher
10-20-2013, 01:36 AM
Typical Lyman these days. Next time spend your money on an Accurate mould.
Gear
jgh4445
10-20-2013, 12:01 PM
Good advice on the learning to lap. So....after I determine that I cannot increase size to say, 358 or 9, using different alloys, I use the valve grinding compound in each cavity until I get the desired diameter..then run thru my sizing die as per normal right?
I do not recall the WW plus tin plus antimony mix to mimick Lyman #2. It is too rich for my blood and unnecessairly hard for my needs. The RotoMetals site lists #2 composition, heavy on the tin$.
prs
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