Bullet Diameter in Pure Lead vs. Diameter in Lyman#2?

[PBSmith]

Say you cast a .30 cal bullet that drops 0.314 in Lyman #2 alloy.

What will be the approximate diameter of a bullet cast in pure lead from the same mould? Assume all other factors (cast temp, etc.) are same.

I've seen something on this but can't remember where.

[Larry Gibson]

There is a chart in Lyman's CBH #3 that can give you a close idea. From that chart (page 58) it shows approximately .001 difference in diameter. While I've never cast any 30 cals with pure lead I have with 40-1. With my 311041HP Lyman mould I got closer to .0015 to .002 difference.

[vzerone]

To be more specific that #3 chose a 311291 for their example. Lead is .3095 weight 176, WW's is .310 weight 173, #2 is .3105 weight 168, and Lino is .3108 weight 163. They are were this diameter after being sized and I assmume Lyman uses a .308 die. Lead .3076, WW .3077, #2 .3080, and Lino .3081.

Different diameter bullets (calibers) and weights don't shrink the same amount.

[PBSmith]

There is a chart in Lyman's CBH #3 that can give you a close idea. From that chart (page 58) it shows approximately .001 difference in diameter. While I've never cast any 30 cals with pure lead I have with 40-1. With my 311041HP Lyman mould I got closer to .0015 to .002 difference.

Thanks Larry. This relates to my post, "Oversize bullets in .30-06." Reportedly the NOE version of 314299 which I ordered will put a 0.303" dia nose in Lyman #2. So if I lose .0015-.002" in soft casting, that could work out favorably for the -06. Actually, I'll have a small %age of tin in the pot. Possible variations here in diameter due to actual mold size, my alloy, casting habits, etc.

[PBSmith]

To be more specific that #3 chose a 311291 for their example. Lead is .3095 weight 176, WW's is .310 weight 173, #2 is .3105 weight 168, and Lino is .3108 weight 163. They are were this diameter after being sized and I assmume Lyman uses a .308 die. Lead .3076, WW .3077, #2 .3080, and Lino .3081.

Different diameter bullets (calibers) and weights don't shrink the same amount.

Thanks for the details, vzerone. I hope you're not near the Great Lakes tonight. Very bitter and mercury dropping.

[mfraser264]

Also reference RCBS Cast Bullet Manual #1, page 13.

[Mitch]

some good infor here to http://www.lasc.us/castbulletnotes.htm