Beveled Base?

[50/50]

I'm looking at 2 Lyman Molds in 45 Auto: 452460 & 452630. One is a square base, one is a beveled base. Concerning the beveled base, I know it's a tad easier to start it into the case while reloading, but is there any disadvantages of this base? Will powder or gas get through the sides easier? I know most if not all jacketed bullets have a square base., but this may be due to the ease of manufacture.

I like the nose shape of the bevel base bullet, as it's a true semi wad cutter. But the square base nose shape might feed better in 1911's.

Any thoughts?

[Artful]

disadvantage is lube on a non-star sizer will accumulate in the bevel area.

[Patrick L]

I agree with Artful, a flat base makes for a neater operation. I have never had an issue loading flat base boolits (ie in my experience its no harder than loading a bevel base. I do load on progressive presses, although not automated equipment. It may make a difference there, I don't know.)

Also, even though I have no conclusive evidence to support this, I just think a flat base shoots just a tad better. It may be all in my head, but I think they do. At least in my experiences, with my guns and the type of shooting I do.

As they say, your results may differ.

[50/50]

Pat, I'd like to send you a PM on another matter if you don't mind. Thanks

[jmort]

Bevel base Boolits work just fine.

[Patrick L]

Sure. Be my guest.

[popper]

BB are easier to seat, more difficult to cull bad bases but you will learn to cast better bases. FB has problem with flash on the base but easier to see bad ones. In a 45ACP ( or any S.A.), don't think you will see any difference in shooting. Just think, a GC doesn't have nice square edges, nor does jacketed. Both large bevel & boat tail have an advantage at muzzle exit. I have both in 40SW and prefer the BB.

[Walter Laich]

BB work fine for me. Any lube on the bottom is a non-issue for me

[Shiloh]

I've had Buckshot flycut bevel bases to remove them, and do other machine work for me.

Shiloh

[DLCTEX]

I don't like them and remove them from my moulds if I can't buy without them. Primarily due to using RCBS and Lyman lubesizers. Besides they just don't look right.

[bhn22]

I have a Star sizer, so I don't really care if I use FB or BB molds. Both designs work well for me, except with high intensity calibers like 357 & 44 magnum.

[50/50]

Another advantage of a Star Sizer I guess. Boolit nose down, no lube on the base to wipe off. Really just wondering if a FB boolit would shave off a bit of lead when reloading if it didn't get started in the case just right. I think a BB would be a little more forgiving. Not sure. Like one of the guys said, maybe on concentrating too much on the wrong end of the boolit.

[bhn22]

Use a neck expanding die, like the Lyman M die, and never worry about it again. I use M dies on all rifle cartridges, they're not expensive.

[dbosman]

If the rest of the boolit is sized properly, BB won't matter at all and their easier for most people to seat.
A Lyman M die will properly open the case for FB seating.

[50/50]

Sound like a very good die. I researched it and it makes sense. Trouble is, I don't see how I can use it on a Dillon 550 progressive press. The powder die has a cartridge specific expander bell. Are you guys using these in a single stage press?

[Hickok]

I use to avoid bevel base boolits like a plaque for years, just because I "read" they were no good. But bought some Lee molds that cast a bevel base boolit, namely the Lee 401-175 TC and the Lee 358-158RF, and both shoot extremely well and don't lead. I think if sized correctly to the firearm and the right load, they can be expected to perform well.