don45
12-25-2014, 07:48 PM
125303
While rummaging thru some old stuff I found the very first loads I cast when I first started reloading back in 1959.
At the top is the first box of 348 Winchester ammo I purchased, and in this box was just one loaded round, loaded with my cast 350447 bullet. I know this load is either from 1959 or the very early '60s since I only used the Model 71 Winchester until I purchased a new Model 70 243 in 1961 or 62.
This round was loaded using a Lyman Ammunition Maker kit in 348 Win purchased directly from Lyman. On an old thread here I've seen discussion of the Ammo Kit and a listing of available calibers. Even though 348 Win was not listed in their ads I know that my kit was 348 Win and ordered directly from Lyman. It included a plated powder measure for 41 or 42 grains of 3031. This round was almost certainly loaded with IMR 3031 but probably using a Herters powder scale and the bullet was probably sized and lubed with a 45 sizer. I purchased both of these within a month or two, after learning the pan lubed / cake-cutter approach was much too slow.
I shot my very first deer with the Winchester 71 and with these loads, possibly a round from this very box. The Cast Bullet Handbook on the right is my original 'Handbook of Cast Bullets' purchased along with the Ammo Maker. I think the only remaining items for the Ammo Maker kit are the mold handles, the 350447 mold and the lead dipper. I am still using my original 45 lubsizer. Too bad I never kept the Model 71...But that's another story.
Don
While rummaging thru some old stuff I found the very first loads I cast when I first started reloading back in 1959.
At the top is the first box of 348 Winchester ammo I purchased, and in this box was just one loaded round, loaded with my cast 350447 bullet. I know this load is either from 1959 or the very early '60s since I only used the Model 71 Winchester until I purchased a new Model 70 243 in 1961 or 62.
This round was loaded using a Lyman Ammunition Maker kit in 348 Win purchased directly from Lyman. On an old thread here I've seen discussion of the Ammo Kit and a listing of available calibers. Even though 348 Win was not listed in their ads I know that my kit was 348 Win and ordered directly from Lyman. It included a plated powder measure for 41 or 42 grains of 3031. This round was almost certainly loaded with IMR 3031 but probably using a Herters powder scale and the bullet was probably sized and lubed with a 45 sizer. I purchased both of these within a month or two, after learning the pan lubed / cake-cutter approach was much too slow.
I shot my very first deer with the Winchester 71 and with these loads, possibly a round from this very box. The Cast Bullet Handbook on the right is my original 'Handbook of Cast Bullets' purchased along with the Ammo Maker. I think the only remaining items for the Ammo Maker kit are the mold handles, the 350447 mold and the lead dipper. I am still using my original 45 lubsizer. Too bad I never kept the Model 71...But that's another story.
Don