LEE 22 Bator .225 Grain Double Cavity Reproduction Mold is this ?

[4719dave]

okay found one is this the mold for the 22 hornet you guys talk about ?

[james nicholson]

I use that mold for cast in 223 rem. At 1900 fps, with gas check and lubed with Lars' BAC lube, I can consistently group at 1" at 100 yds. I would think it would be excellent for your Hornet.

[farmerjim]

I use it in my hornet.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

LEE 22 Bator .225 Grain Double Cavity Reproduction Mold is this ?

okay found one is this the mold for the 22 hornet you guys talk about ?
Maybe??? there has been some confusion on midsouth's part.

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item/0000690451/22-Bator-point225-Diameter-2-Cavity-Mold-C225-55-RF

The Midsouth Custom Bator use to be listed in the special orders mold section, notice that this mold is listed in the standard Lee mold section of Midsouth's website and even though Midsouth calls it 22 Bator, they show the Lee part number 90451.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/618737/lee-2-cavity-bullet-mold-c225-55-rf-22-caliber-225-diameter-55-grain-flat-nose-gas-check

Midway lists that part number as Lee's new standard C225-55-RF and midway's photo shows a boolit the shape of the RCBS 225-55 ...and that is a WHOLE different shape from what the custom 22 Bator that Midsouth use to carry, that worked good in the Hornet. Photo below of Original midsouth custom Bators...notice the short fat nose.

http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu127/JonB_in_Glencoe/salmoncanfullofbators_zps2e9efcb1.jpg (http://s640.photobucket.com/user/JonB_in_Glencoe/media/salmoncanfullofbators_zps2e9efcb1.jpg.html)

[4719dave]

all right that's what I was after ..I thought that might me a different mold thanks guys

[quilbilly]

Maybe??? there has been some confusion on midsouth's part.

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item/0000690451/22-Bator-point225-Diameter-2-Cavity-Mold-C225-55-RF

The Midsouth Custom Bator use to be listed in the special orders mold section, notice that this mold is listed in the standard Lee mold section of Midsouth's website and even though Midsouth calls it 22 Bator, they show the Lee part number 90451.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/618737/lee-2-cavity-bullet-mold-c225-55-rf-22-caliber-225-diameter-55-grain-flat-nose-gas-check

Midway lists that part number as Lee's new standard C225-55-RF and midway's photo shows a boolit the shape of the RCBS 225-55 ...and that is a WHOLE different shape from what the custom 22 Bator that Midsouth use to carry, that worked good in the Hornet. Photo below of Original midsouth custom Bators...notice the short fat nose.

http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu127/JonB_in_Glencoe/salmoncanfullofbators_zps2e9efcb1.jpg (http://s640.photobucket.com/user/JonB_in_Glencoe/media/salmoncanfullofbators_zps2e9efcb1.jpg.html)
The boolits in the pic are the old style Bator soup can boolits that drop from my mold at 53 gr. plus GC. My Hornet loves them at 1800 fps as does my .222 Contender 10" barrel. I just received the new style mold from Midsouth and have cast a bunch but have not yet shot. These drop from the mold at 57 gr plus GC. These new boolits are definitely not the Bator style soup can but more aerodynamic like one of the RCBS 55 gr boolits. They actually look like a miniature of the original Lee 140 gr 7mm Bator boolit. I can't wait to try them in my 223 bolt rifle at a higher velocity more like 2300 fps so did a slightly harder alloy and if it shoots well, it looks like I will be doing both styles.

[4719dave]

okay will love to hear how they run .

[quilbilly]

Tried a few loads yesterday in the 223 bolt action with various powders at 2200-2400 fps but no groups better than 3-1/2" at 100 yds. With one of the powders (3031), the same load of the same powder produce a .9 group with a Speer 53 gr JHP so the hunt continues for a CB load. Powders tested included 4227, 4198, 3031, and 5744. Won't have time to do another test for a while until after I get some venison in the freezer from muzzleloader season. When the time comes, I might start working with much lower velocities (1300) and then work up. The rifle's twist is 1-12".

[runfiverun]

try a slower powder.

[SniderBoomer]

Great little boolit in the Marlin 218-Bee

[quilbilly]

try a slower powder.
I will. I am pretty determined to get a velocity about 500 fps over my beloved Hornet. The goal has been to get the 223 to shoot as well as the Hornet but add about 150 yards to the useful range with CB's but not to replace the Hornet. A very enjoyable project as always to get the right tool for the job. I must admit, the Lyman book does say the best accuracy is to be expected at lower velocities than I am seeking and their test barrel is identical in twist and length.

[quilbilly]

Haven't had a chance to try the slower powder yet but I did have a few already loaded with 5744 for 1700 fps and the group dropped right down to under 2" which is a good start but my Hornet already shoots well at those velocities with the Bator CB's. R5R - any recommendations on a slower powder than 3031 to try?

[Boolseye]

4064 perhaps.