PDA

View Full Version : .308 mold descriptions for Lyman / Ideal molds



ohland
11-24-2013, 10:34 PM
Scrounged up some descriptions for .308 diameter molds from a variety of sources. If some of you-all have better descriptions from Ideal or Lyman catalogs, please post to this thread with the correction or description of the boolit.

Disclaimer: It is well known that (at times) cherries have been used too long, with undersized cavities resulting. Some throats are too big compared to the groove diameter. Over time, manufacturers held different tolerances and dimensions for the chamber and bore. Different alloys will turn out different diameters. What follows below is simply a collection of the various Ideal and Lyman mold descriptions, which does NOT mean that any particular mold will cast a boolit like you expect. What does this mean? Slug your bore if you don't know the bore/groove dimensions for your gun. If the mold is undersize, you may have to beagle / lap it out some. [ed]

NOTE: Any loads mentioned are taken from period documents, and are not in any way tested. Please refer to modern loading manuals for safe loads. [ed]

v/r,
A fellow servant to the heavy metal :coffeecom

.308 is the recognized diameter of bullets for the .30-40 U. S. Govt., .30-30 Winchester, .30-30 Marlin, .30 Savage, .30 Blake, .32-40 Remington, etc. The original size of the .30-40 Govt., and .30 Savage was the same as the English rifles, which are bored to .303 gauge and use a bullet .311 in diameter; the U. S. Govt, changed the bore to .300 (.30 caliber) and use a bullet .308, which has become the standard for the American .30 calibers, though we believe the Winchester people are now making bullets .305 in diameter for their .30-30 Winchester. We would remark that the .308 bullets will do good work in any of the .303 caliber English rifles. We would further remark that any of the standard bullets .311, factory made, or specials, may be sized down to .308 in diameter and make good bullets for the .30 caliber. See bullet 3084.

NOTE: There were two bullets designed by Harrison, called "NRA Paper Patched" (needs research). These look a bit odd, resembling a Louverin (they have multiple grooves) but made for a paper patch.

NRA Cast Bullets, E.H. Harrison, Paper Patching Makes a Difference, pages 72-76

114094

301618 (GC, SP (?), 160 - TP is ?) Lyman CBH, 3rd Ed, pg 185

301620 (GC, SP (?), 200 - TP is ?) Lyman CBH, 3rd Ed, pg 187

Best results were with a .301 diameter boolit, paper patch .0035 thick. Use the Lyman 31R M-die.

3081. When cast is .311 in diameter, which is correct for the .303 (English),
It may be sized to .308. The 200 or 225 grains weight, some think, are fine bullets for the .30 U.S. Govt. Designed by Wm. M Cooper. 200 grs. used by Dr. Hudson of N.Y. City in the .30-40 U.S. (PB, FN, 200, 225, 250 - TP is 8)

3082. When cast is intended to crimp into the top groove, at "O", same as in the standard metal jacketed bullet, the forward part of shoulder resting on the end of the shell to prevent ball receding. Chamber that is correct for the metal patched bullet .30-30 Winchester will also seat these bullets. Perfection will cast this ball with a small flat point, otherwise exactly the same. (PB, RN, 150, 165, 179, 185, 211 Also Perfection - TP is 465)

3083. When cast is .311, to be sized to .308. It is similar to No. 3082, except in weights and having flat point. These bullets will seat correctly in chambers that are for the .30-30 Marlin metal patched bullet, but will not seat in tool for the .30-30 Winchester. (PB, FN, 158, 174, 188, 204, 219 Also Perfection - TP is 8)

3084. When cast is slightly above .308; when loaded in the regular .30-30 W. chamber, shell crimps over all the bands. Single mould will form a bullet with point rounded like 3082. The 152 grs. we call the standard .30 W. ; 200 grs. is the regular .30 Govt. When it is seated in shell two grooves project (see bullets Nos. 25717 and 3081). 3084 bullets seat properly in the .30 Savage tools. (PB, FN, 120, 137, 152, 168, 184, 200 Also Perfection - TP is 8)

3085. When cast is slightly above .308. These bullets have flat points in all cases, whether made in single or Perfection mould. They are intended particularly for the .30 Marlin, and conform to the shape of the metal patched bullet on the point, and the chamber that is correct for one is correct for all. The 147 grs. bullet is the standard. (PB, FN, 129, 147, 163, 180, 197, 213 Also perfection - TP is ?)

3086. When cast is .311. This bullet was designed by Mr. Beardsley, of the Bridgeport Gun Implement Co. Fine reports have been received from this full length bullet, when sized to .308, using full charge of black or lower pressure smokeless powder in the various .30 caliber rifles. The lighter weights are reported fine for short range for all the rifles using bullets .311 or .308 in diameter. (PB, FN, 74, 87, 101, 150 Also perfection - TP is 8)

3087 This bullet is for the old standard .32-25 Stevens and Maynard Rifles. (PB, FN, 153 - TP is 8)

3089. This is the .30-30 Winchester short range bullet. It may be seated correctly with any loading tool that is correct for the regular .30-30 Winchester cartridge. It has but one groove for lubrication and has a deep, hollow base. (HB, FN, 100 - TP is ?)

30810. This bullet is cast .311, and is designed for the .30 Savage short range (miniature bullet). It may be seated in the .30 Savage shell with the regular reloading tools, but will require special chamber to be properly seated in any of the other .30 calibers. (PB, RN, 100 - TP is 465)

30812. When cast is .311 (correct size for .32-20, etc.). Here is a fine series of short range bullets that are well balanced, presenting a good length of bearing and number of grooves for sufficient lubrication. All of the short, sharp pointed bullets of different calibers have justly earned their reputation for accuracy and far small game killing. They do not mangle or tear. It has been proved, also, that bullets of this shape, when longer or heavier than bullets of other shapes, will fly more accurately and keep point on for a greater distance. We would remark also that bullets having a good length of bearing, with lubrication properly distributed, will hold the rifling better and are not so apt to jump the twist and lead the barrel, since they have a greater length of grip. (PB, SP, 95, 113, 130, 148, 165, 182, 201 - TP is 278)

30813 Round ball. (46)

30815. These bullets are for the .32-40 Remington. We would remark that all of the .32-40 Remington bullets, whether grooved or patched, are proper size for the .30 caliber. (PB, FN, 125, 150, 175 - TP is ?)

30822. This bullet is exactly the same as 3089, with the exception that the point is round and the base is flat. It also may be seated with any regular reloading tool that is correct for the standard .30-30 Winchester. (PB, RN, 108 TP is ?)

30823. This is the .30-30 Marlin short range. It has flat point and flat base, and is seated correctly with any reloading tool that is correct for the standard .30-30 Marlin cartridge. (PB, RN, 125 - TP is ?)

30824. This bullet is the same as 30823 with the exception that it has a deep, hollow base. It may be seated with the regular .30 Marlin reloading tool. (HB, RN, 109 - TP is ?)

30825 (PB, RN, 240 - TP is 465)

30826. Round ball for indoor work or very short range. Light charges of powder should be used, too much powder causing them to jump the rifling. (45)

30841. This is a bullet from the Cylindrical mould, which is made for smooth bullets for paper patching. Moulds cast point, round, flat or Leopold.

308156. This is the regular .32-40 Remington bullet. (PB, FN, 150 - TP is ?)

308157 (?, FN, 165 - TP is ?)

308206 This style of bullet was designed by Horace Kephart. These bullets are correct for .30-40 U.S. Govt., and the 125 grains is a fine short range, up to 200 yards, for .30 Marlin, Savage, and Winchester. It was and still is a most successful bullet. Seat in case so that mouth of case comes just to bottom of the upper band. (PB, RN, 125, 170 - TP is ?)

308223 This bullet was designed by Dr. Hudson of New York City and used by him at Sea Girt in his wonderful shooting. (PB, RN, 150, 175, 206 TP is ?) [also shown as 311223 ed.]

308224 Standard bullet for the 7.65 m/m rifle cartridge. (PB, RN, 195 - TP is ?) [also shown as 311224 ed.]

308234 Designed by E.P. Armstrong. This series has very short flat points. The first groove is sharp as a dirt scraper. The lighter weights are fine for short range. (When cast measures .311) (PB, FN, 72, 93, 113, 136 - TP is ?)

308240 (?, RN, 92 TP is ?)

308241 Standard bullet. Perhaps the most suitable all around short range bullet for use in all .30 caliber rifles. Does most excellent work in all rifles with groove diameters from .308" to .311". Should be sized to .311", or up to .3095" for rifles having very tight chambers. Seat so mouth of case comes just to bottom of bevel groove below the upper dirt scraping band. Or for tubular magazine rifles, crimp mouth of case in the bevel groove. This bullet does very accurate and reliable work, and is good up to 200 yards. We recommend it as the best all-around bullet for .30 caliber short range or small game shooting. (PB, RN, 125, 154 - TP is ?)

308244 Standard bullet for .30 Luger and .32 (7.65 m/m) Mauser Automatic Pistols. Should be cast 1 to 15 Tin and Lead. Powder charge 3 1/2 grains Hercules Bullseye. No. 10 tool only furnished. May also be used in various .30 caliber rifles for short range. (PB, RN, 89 - TP is ?)

308245 Designed especially for U.S. Marine Corps for 25 yard gallery practice with the Krag rifle. Size to .311". Powder charge 3 1/2 grains weight Hercules Bullseye. Seat bullet so neck of case covers two lubricant grooves. This bullet is highly satisfactory for gallery and short range work in any .30 caliber rifle, particularly Springfield, Krag, and Russian arms. (PB, RN, 87, TP is ?)

308252 Standard bullet for .32 Colt's and .32 Savage Automatic Pistols. Cast of Ideal Bullet Metal No. 2 or 1 part Tin to 10 of Lead. Weight of bullet about 77 grains. Proper powder charge is 2.2 grains weight Hercules Bullseye powder. No. 10 tool only furnished for loading. The users of .30 caliber rifles will find this bullet with a charge of 2 grains weight of Hercules Bullseye powder one of the finest for 25 yard indoor shooting or small game. It is very accurate and is one of the most economical loads for 1 pound of this powder will load 3,500 cartridges. (PB, RN, 77 - TP is ?)

308278 Standard bullet for .30-40 Krag rifle. Also can be used in Springfield rifles. Seat so mouth of case covers second groove from base. Larger charge than 14 grains will cause fusion. This is the bullet recommended by Dr. Hudson for target work up to 200 yards. Fine for rapid fire. (PB, 197 - TP is ?)

308280 Standard bullet for .30-06 Government cartridge. Our standard bullet for this cartridge weighing 196 grains, using No. 2 Ideal Bullet Metal. This and all other Ideal bullets numbered 308 - are cast large enough from Ideal Moulds to permit sizing to .311". This allows reloader wide range for sizing the bullets to fit his particular gun. A closely chambered gun should have bullets sized to .3095". Other guns will give best results with bullet sized to full .311". Seat this bullet in shell without crimp so as to cover the two base bands only. The first band and portion ahead of front groove are same diameter to ride on top of the lands, the two base bands only taking the rifling. (PB, 196 - TP is ?)

308284 This bullet is intended for use in Krag rifles, and has done most successful work up to 600 yards. It was extremely popular on all National Guard ranges prior to the adoption of the Springfield, and was used for qualification and training purpose to reduce the cost of ammunition and decrease recoil in training recruits. The proper charge for the Krag is 21 grains weight Hercules Lightning powder. Seat in case so as to just cover second lubricating groove from base. This bullet will shoot far more accurately in the Krag than any factory ammunition available. (GC, 207 - TP is ?)

308291 Standard bullet for .30-30, .303 Savage, and .30 Rem. Auto. rifles. Powder charge 20 to 21 grains of Hercules Lightning powder, giving 1900 to 2000 f.s. muzzle velocity, and accuracy better than most factory cartridges. Size bullet to .311". Cast of Ideal alloy or 1 to 10 Tin and Lead. Seat bullets so mouth of case just comes to the band below the bevel groove, or for tubular magazine rifles slightly crimp mouth of case in the bevel groove. An exceedingly satisfactory bullet which shoots with great accuracy and does not wear out your barrel. Tip molds for a two part bullet available. (GC, 165 - TP is ?)

308329 For .30 Springfield. Spitzer point gas check bullet. A charge of 17 grains Du Pont No. 80 gives about 1400 ft. seconds and 23 grains of Lightning powder gives about 1700 ft. seconds with this bullet, with good accuracy. (GC, 185 - TP is ?)

308334 Gas check bullet for .30 Springfield. A most successful bullet. Shoots with splendid accuracy up to 600 yards, and does not wear out the barrel. Most suitable for military shooting and recruit qualification. Makes a great saving on the ammunition bill. Also fine for ducks at long range because the recommended powder charge gives a very flat trajectory, and sharp point does not tear or mangle. Powder charge 23 grains weight Hercules Lightning. Seat bullet so mouth of case comes midway up second band from base. (GC, 194 - TP is ?)

308403 Bullet designed by Mr. Harry Pope for extreme accuracy in competitive shooting in the .30 Springfield rifle. Should be used as cast and not resized. Diameter of first four bands from point .301", fifth band .303", sixth band .305", last band .315". Bullet seated in case with fingers so mouth of case extends only half way up base band. Powder charge 12 to 15 grains Du Pont No. 80 powder. This bullet gives better accuracy up to 200 yards than any combination we know of in the Springfield, but owing to the bullet being seated so lightly in the case, it is not suitable for handling except on the target range. (PB, 167 - TP is ?)

31032. This is a bullet for the .32 Swiss Ordnance. It is not used larger, but is reported very excellent for large game [small game? This is a pistol bullet... ed.].

Echo
11-25-2013, 01:00 PM
Great Zot!

ohland
11-25-2013, 08:49 PM
Deer season, so I had to cut it short last night. About five more to go from the old Ideal catalogs, then troll through the Lyman HCM '58, then some snippets out of Cast Bullets (Harrison).