Nei 308145 PB

[35 Whelen]

I was recently given an NEI 308145 4-gang mould. This mould drops a plain base, flat nose bullet. Anybody use one? I'm not sure if I want to keep it or not as I always use GC bullets in my .30's. Using WQWW, what's the max velocity without leading using a plain base bullet like this? Any experince or input?
Thanks,
35W

[HeavyMetal]

depending on how many lube grooves, and type of lube, plus how hard the alloy is. I'm going to guess your BHN is about 14 to 16.

Pressure range for loads in this BHN range are going to be about 20,000 PSI.

So without knowing the exact cartridge your loading I'll guess that about 1900 to 2000 FPS is where your going to start seeing some leading.

Please be aware this is some very broad guessing, certain powders may go faster before you have issues depending on when the pressure curve peaks.

I'll suggest you get or borrow Richard Lee's Modern Reloading second addition.

Chapters 8, 9 and 10 deal with alloy, pressure curves, and some actual rifle reloading data with pressure readings!

With the right alloy you might not have a leading issue at all!

[35 Whelen]

I'm going from memory (it's out in the shop), but I think it had 2 lube grooves. My WQWW alloy typically tests out at about 20-22 BHN and I usually use Thompson or Rooster Zambini hard lube. I'll primarily be shooting it in my 03A3 with a new 2 groove barrel.

Thanks!
35W

[GabbyM]

What weight is your bullet?

I ordered a Saeco 140gr plain base in 30 cal. a couple of days ago. Primarily for reduced loads in 30/30's. Make the brass last a long time and not having to buy gas checks keeps cost down around the price of pistol ammo.

Some may cringe at the thought of not running a riffle to shoot as flat as possible. However for a lever action carbine used for fun. When you compare ballistics and terminal energy of a 30 caliber 140gr travailing 1,800fps to a 44mag or 357mag lever rifle the little plain base 30 caliber looks pretty good.

[Blammer]

got a pic of the bullet? it'd be interesting to see.

[fatnhappy]

got a pic of the bullet? it'd be interesting to see.

Me too. I have one of the reworked 311466 group buy moulds that had the oversize gas check shank milled off. So far my results using it as a plinker have been satisfying.

[35 Whelen]

OK, finally got around to casting a few bullets with the NEI 308145. Here's a pic of the mould and the bullets:
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Cast%20bullets/NEI3081457.jpg

I cast them from WQWW. Looks like it might work OK in the K-31 as the nose is <.295"..

35W