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Tom Myers
01-03-2006, 10:42 PM
In a previous thread titled "What Group Buys are Open NOW?" some ideas and a couple of images were posted concerning the feasibility of a 38-55 6-cavity group buy.

After a little research and input from other forum members I added it all up, divided by Zip then multiplied by Squat and arrived at a few conclusions (mine only and subject to suggestion and change) that suggested another 38 caliber bullet dimension sketch.

Some of the conclusions:
1. We are working with three different chambers that could use the bullet in consideration:

A. The old, long, Ballard taper crimp chamber (my version is 2.140" long) which will chamber brass with a nominal length of 2.135" with no throat only a 15 degree leade angle to the bore.

B. The new short version (Clymer's Reamer specifications show 2.119" chamber length) again, only a 15-degree leade angle to the bore.

C. The 375 Winchester chambering which is (from memory only) 2.035" with a throat (I don’t know the length of it).

2. Next, we have three different lengths of brass that will or will not fit in the above chambers.

A. 2.130" 38-55 brass that will fit only in the older chamber.

B. 2.075” 38-55 brass that will fit in either the old or the newer chambers, but not in the 375 Winchester Chamber.

C. 2.020" 375 Winchester brass that will fit in all the chambers.

3. Various chamber neck, bore and groove dimensions should be able to be accommodated by sizing down from a dimension large enough to fit the largest bore diameter (0.382?????).

4. A one-size-fits-all would be a bullet design dropping from the mold at a diameter of 0.382 with 3 crimp grooves spaced 0.055" apart that would theoretically allow the bullet to engage the rifling or lead in nearly every Brass/Chamber configuration.

5. It was also brought to my attention that, typically, the most accurate bullets from the twists used in the various lever guns have been in the 150-grain range, so the design was shortened to reflect that weight.

6. And last, but not least, the choice of either gas check or plain base should be considered.

The following designs are the result of the conclusions.

When more opinions and ideas are expressed, we can do it again.

http://www.tmtpages.com/LinkSkyImages/Bullet%232-3855-GC.gif

http://www.tmtpages.com/LinkSkyImages/Sketch%232-38-55-GC.gif

http://www.tmtpages.com/LinkSkyImages/Bullet%232-3855-PB.gif

http://www.tmtpages.com/LinkSkyImages/Sketch%232-38-55-PB.gif

Respectfully submitted,
Tom Myers
Precision Ballistics & Records (http://www.tmtpages.com/)

http://breeze.linksky48.com/~tommyers/LinkSkyImages/Bullet%232-3855-GC.gif http://breeze.linksky48.com/~tommyers/LinkSkyImages/Sketch%232-38-55-GC.gif

http://breeze.linksky48.com/~tommyers/LinkSkyImages/Bullet%232-3855-PB.gif

http://breeze.linksky48.com/~tommyers/LinkSkyImages/Sketch%232-38-55-PB.gif

45 2.1
01-03-2006, 10:51 PM
Good looking boolits and drawings. Myself, I like the PB the best. BTW, I have a Marlin and Win BB 375 Win. that take the modern 38-55 brass without a hitch. I've read of alot of others that do the same.

Dutch4122
01-03-2006, 11:09 PM
Not sure if this helps or will just add fuel to the fire, but my early 80's Winchester '94BB in .375 Win has a throat measured at .418" with a jacketed slug seated backwards in a .375 Win case. Dan at Mtn. Molds has confirmed that he has had other customers report similar sized throats.

I'm sure mine would take the 38-55 brass without a hitch as well.

BTW, gas checked version for me, please.

bdoyle
01-03-2006, 11:21 PM
Well, I'll have to go with #1-b clymer chamber on my 375 Win BB. It is an early top eject model. There is also a .200 throat before the rifling(sp??) starts. I have only used 2.08 win 38-55 brass in this rifle. The designs look good. Can't decide if a GC is needed or not.

Brian

felix
01-03-2006, 11:34 PM
What is the projected maximum speed, and with what powder? That, if not using grex or PSB, will determine if a gas check is required or not, assuming no slop in the throat department. ... felix

Buckshot
01-04-2006, 05:05 AM
..............I'm in for a mould, regardless of it's weight, so long as it drops at or may be sized to .382".

If I had my druthers, it'd have a GC.

BTW, when/if the times comes and we decide to start gathering checks I will post a sticky for that so it doesn't float all over the board, OR I can make this thread a sticky and we can just add the check count and info to it.



....................Buckshot

grumble
01-04-2006, 12:32 PM
I'm in for a mold, too. Prefer GC, but will go along with the crowd.

BorderBrewer
01-04-2006, 02:51 PM
Hi,
Please count me in for one of these. I also prefer gas checked if possible.
Thanks.

moodyholler
01-04-2006, 04:41 PM
Count me in!!! TIA moodyholler

chromecrow
01-04-2006, 05:38 PM
I too would be interested in this mould. I like PB but could go for GC if thats what the majority want.

BlueSmoke
01-04-2006, 09:45 PM
I'll take a mould. PB or GC. I'm having a great time with a 240 gr plain base Lasercast .380 dia and 17gr of Accurate 5744 in my "new" USRAC 38-55 hunter.

Nrut
01-05-2006, 02:29 AM
Good looking boolits and drawings. Myself, I like the PB the best. BTW, I have a Marlin and Win BB 375 Win. that take the modern 38-55 brass without a hitch. I've read of alot of others that do the same.
I can't speak to the Marlin .375 but I own a Win.BB.375 and it will easily digest 38-55 brass....I tried it after I read one of Paco Kelly's articles on using 38-55 brass in his Win.BB.375...he uses .38-55 brass,Speer 235gr. Jacketed (with nose flattened) and 42.5 grs. of RL-7 for just under 2400 FPS and 3000+ of energy in a 20" barrel......He likes 38-55 brass because it has a 3 to 4 gr. case cap. advantage over the .375 BB brass (besides being shorter .375BB brass is thicker)...I have not tried Paco's load and probably won't as I'm not into self abuse...but the point is that it may not be neccsary to put and extra crimping groove on to accommodate .375 BB brass...
I recently received a mold from Dan @ Mt Molds that is basicly like the above design but with no crimp groove(I use a Lee Factory Crimp die just to take out the case flare)...
spec. on Dan's sofware are as follows
260gr./ gc.
.383"
.170" front band
.525" nose lenght
62% (.237") meplat
.8 GtoB with two grooves
I bought this mold mainly for my Uberti 1885 Low Wall(.380" groove), MarlinCB, and couple of old Winchester 94's in 38-55.......the Marlin has .381+ groove and will only chamber a .379 bulllet in a unmodified case.......this last weekend I modified my neck turner to turn the necks on the brass the full lenght of the bullet and now the Marlin will chamber the the .382" sized bullet....OH Happy Day!!!...My only concern is that I may not have enough lube for the 30" barrel on the Uberti as with plain based Lee .380-.381 bullets I was getting leading in the last 4" or 5"of the barrel...the gas check and sligthly fatter bullet may cure this.....can't wait for break-up and spring weather to try those bullets out....
Yes Tom I'll take a 6 banger if it has a gas check and a min. dia. of .382".....cheers mic

Frank46
01-05-2006, 02:45 AM
Out of curiosity, has anyone measured the throat diameter of their 38-55's or 375 wins?. I have a win bb in 375 but as of yet have not started casting for it. I had heard that (either on shooters.com or here) that the win's had large throats. Sounds like I need to check mine out also. This will be my first group buy so would like gas checked bullet and the .382
diameter. Maybe Lee will get this one right. Tom, thanks for the design. Frank

bdoyle
01-05-2006, 11:33 AM
Frank,
I have a top eject Win94 375BB. The throat dia is .380 with a bore of .377. This is likely the first year of production, don't know what they did after that.

Brian

Tom Myers
01-05-2006, 12:29 PM
We are still waiting for someone to step forward and offer to Honcho this group buy. It appears that some are assuming that I was going to do this one. I should have stated more clearly in the previous post that, because of temporarily unstable health , I can only help with the design and sketches needed to design the mold according to the wishes of those interested in the group buy. So, could someone please offer to do this one, this particular design is starting to look too good to pass up.

NRNut brought up the point that a third crimping groove would not be needed as the regular 38-55 brass could be used in the 375 Winchester chambers. I am wondering about the guy that maybe has a 375 Winchester and a couple hundred pieces of 375 Win brass that may want to get in on the group buy. If there is nobody in that situation, then there is absolutely no reason for the third crimp groove and it could be eliminated before the final configuration. So the third crimping groove option should be addressed when expressing an interest in the group buy.

Since there are those that use the 375 brass and blown out 30-30 cases, the need for the third groove is apparent, so the 3 crimp groove should stay.

45 2.1
01-05-2006, 12:44 PM
Please leave the third crimping groove in. A number of us use 375 brass and blownout 30-30 brass in both calibers. The third groove is necessary.

BorderBrewer
01-05-2006, 01:15 PM
Hi Tom,
Please leave the third groove. I will use this in my 375. Thanks.

JD2
01-05-2006, 04:25 PM
I'd go for one. Either GC or PB is fine with me.

lar45
01-05-2006, 05:23 PM
I like it and will definatly buy one. I think a Gas Check version will work better for me. What of the BPCR sillouette(sp) guys that will need a plain base? Does anyone use the 38-55 in that game? or is more bullet mass needed?
I have the Win BB. I haven't measured anything in it and have only played a little with the Lee 250.

Dutch4122
01-05-2006, 08:52 PM
I'm also heavily invested in .375 Winchester brass and would appreciate it if the 3rd crimp groove were left in.

I'll tell ya, this one almost begs for 2 separate runs; one with gas check and one with plain base.

Frank46
01-06-2006, 03:35 AM
Bdoyle, mine is also a top eject 94bb. Got it from a dealer here in loosiana. He was just about to put it up for sale on one of the auction sites. Tom, I have mucho 375 win brass for my 94bb in 375 win so would appreciate the thrid crimp groove also. Frank

Steelbanger
01-06-2006, 06:53 PM
I'd be in for a PB mould. Would have to re-decide if only the GC version were offered.

Urny
01-07-2006, 10:41 AM
I've been pondering this one, trying to decide what to do. So many moulds, so little time to cast. One of each please.

McLintock
01-07-2006, 01:14 PM
Yeah, have them do the mould with 3 holes of each; all they'd have to do is do 3 on all moulds, re-set up and do the other 3; then you'd really cover all worlds. Don't even know if it's possible, just a thought. It's not like you're going to shoot enough 38-55's or .375's to warrant a 6 holer anyway.
McLintock

trk
01-07-2006, 04:15 PM
I would like one with a plain base, as I have the Lyman 264gr GC - which works VERY well in my early '94BB. But for the Ruger #1 set up for schuetzen, plain base is necessary.

I would love to have a Trapper in .375 Win!

Buckshot
01-09-2006, 04:41 AM
Yeah, have them do the mould with 3 holes of each; all they'd have to do is do 3 on all moulds, re-set up and do the other 3; then you'd really cover all worlds. Don't even know if it's possible, just a thought. It's not like you're going to shoot enough 38-55's or .375's to warrant a 6 holer anyway.
McLintock

Good idea! Lee won't do it. We've asked them before 8). Gotta reset all the tools and then run the moulds back through again. Pretty much twice the work.

....................Buckshot

Jonah
01-11-2006, 10:29 AM
I'd like the plain base. Heck, I'd even settle for a two cavity. Would still beat the single cavity I use now. Have very good luck with the Lee bullet in my Marlin, sized .379.

lar45
01-11-2006, 12:37 PM
I'm voteing for a gas check, but will take a plain base if that's the consensus.

Tom Myers
01-11-2006, 04:37 PM
As of 1/17/2006 - 7:17 AM CST, we have had 24 persons indicate that they would participate in a group buy.

I believe it was mostly a concensus that the initial dimensions were acceptable and that the bullets should drop from the mold weighing in at around 255 gr., measuring at no less than 0.382" with wheelweight alloy and that the three crimp grooves should remain.

About the only big issue left to resolve is that of whether to go with the gas-check or plain-base style.

The following is a copy of the tally sheet I have been keeping relating to the preferences that have been stated. I believe it to be fairly accurate, but if I have misread someone's intentions, please post a correction and I'll change the list.

7 Would go with a gas-check only.
4 Would prefer a gas-check but would go with a plain-base.
5 Would go with a plain-base only.
1 Would prefer a plain-base but would go with a gas-check.
7 Would go with either one
23 TOTAL


This could mean that, so far, 19 would take a gas-check version
or
This could mean that, so far, 17 would take a plain-base version

This is the list. It can be added to as more people climb on the wagon, or changed if anyone decides to change their preference.

Gas-check only

Buckshot
Dutch4122
Border Brewer
Nrut
Frank46
C1PNR
Centex Bill
Prefer gas-check but would take plain-base.

Tom Myers
Lar45
Grumble
hpdrifter
Plain-base only.

45-2.1
Steel Banger
trk
Jonah
oksmle
Prefer plain-base but would take gas-check.

Chromecrow
Would go with either one.

bdoyle
MoodyHoller
BlueSmoke
JD2
Urney
Iron Duke2
ShooterJK
When the total for either gas-check or plain-base takers reaches 25, someone could step up to honcho the order and we could then start another thread for whichever style is second place.
http://breeze.linksky48.com/~tommyers/LinkSkyImages/Bullet%232-3855-GC.gifhttp://breeze.linksky48.com/~tommyers/LinkSkyImages/Bullet%232-3855-PB.gif

grumble
01-11-2006, 04:53 PM
Tom, move me from the "GC only" catagory to the "prefers GC, but will go with a PB" catagory.

chromecrow
01-11-2006, 05:51 PM
If this group buy happens I will buy the mould either way. I just thought I would vote for PB.

hpdrifter
01-12-2006, 09:20 PM
Can put me down for one, either way. Prolly lean towards GC, but I'm new to this and don't want to miss THIS either way.

RICK CULLEN

Frank46
01-13-2006, 03:32 AM
Oh yeah, gc only, never had much success with the plain base. I know I poseted this before. If my range ever does some cowboy silly wet the 375 win would be good to go.
YEEEEEEE HAHHHHHHHHH. Frank

Buckshot
01-13-2006, 08:51 AM
.................Well if a someone wants to step up to the plate as a honcho they can decide the design to settle it, or I can put up a sticky poll (GC, either, PB).

..................Buckshot

ironduke2
01-14-2006, 09:37 AM
Hi. I am interested in amold of either type or maybe both if offered. Thanks. Bob :lovebooli

oksmle
01-14-2006, 12:51 PM
Folks .... The only time I shoot GCs in my rifle is during deer season. And that takes a short casting period of an hour or so to cast up 50 or 60 bullets in my two cavity RCBS mold. Other than that I crank off hundreds of Lyman PBs plinking at coffee cans at 75 & 100 yards the rest of the year. That's where I need the volume of a six cavity mold. So I vote for the PB.
oksmle

C1PNR
01-14-2006, 07:13 PM
I just like the Gas Check better. I'll take at least one in GC at a nominal 255 grain target weight.

ShooterJK
01-16-2006, 08:15 AM
I would take one of either design.

CENTEX BILL
01-17-2006, 12:51 AM
I would like the gas check 38-55 mold.

Centex Bill

Bardiamondm
01-22-2006, 03:38 PM
I too would be interested. I would prefer a GC and I also use .375 Win brass and blown out .30-.30, so keep the three crimp groves. Thanks.

Tom Myers
01-28-2006, 11:03 AM
As of 1/29/2006 - 10:15 AM CST, we have had 27 persons indicate that they would participate in a group buy.


http://breeze.linksky48.com/~tommyers/LinkSkyImages/382-255-GC.gif___http://breeze.linksky48.com/~tommyers/LinkSkyImages/382-256-PB.gif


Click for GC Sketch (http://breeze.linksky48.com/~tommyers/LinkSkyImages/Sketch%232-38-55-GC.gif)________Click for PB Sketch (http://breeze.linksky48.com/~tommyers/LinkSkyImages/Sketch%232-38-55-PB.gif)


I believe it was mostly a concensus that the initial dimensions were acceptable and that the bullets should drop from the mold weighing in at around 255 gr., measuring at no less than 0.382" with wheelweight alloy and that the three crimp grooves should remain.

About the only big issue left to resolve is that of whether to go with the gas-check or plain-base style.

The following is a copy of the tally sheet I have been keeping relating to the preferences that have been stated. I believe it to be fairly accurate, but if I have misread someone's intentions, please post a correction and I'll change the list.

9 Would go with a gas-check only.
4 Would prefer a gas-check but would go with a plain-base.
5 Would go with a plain-base only.
2 Would prefer a plain-base but would go with a gas-check.
7 Would go with either one
27 TOTAL


This could mean that, so far, 22 would take a gas-check version
OR
This could mean that, so far, 18 would take a plain-base version

This is the list. It can be added to as more people climb on the wagon, or changed if anyone decides to change their preference.

Gas-check only

Buckshot
Dutch4122
Border Brewer
Nrut
Frank46
C1PNR
Centex Bill
Bardiamondm
3584ELK
Prefer gas-check but would take plain-base.

Tom Myers
Lar45
Grumble
hpdrifter
Plain-base only.

45-2.1
Steel Banger
trk
Jonah
oksmle
Prefer plain-base but would take gas-check.

Chromecrow
Charlie/sw mo
Would go with either one.

bdoyle
MoodyHoller
BlueSmoke
JD2
Urney
Iron Duke2
ShooterJK
When the total for either gas-check or plain-base takers reaches 25, someone could step up to honcho the order and we could then start another thread for whichever style is second place.

3584ELK
01-28-2006, 11:39 PM
Count me in for a GC version- I doubt I am skilled enough to use a pb version!

Buckshot
01-29-2006, 03:50 AM
..............A question re: dimensions. I'm of a mind to suggest that rather then telling Lee we want something to cast at so and so dimension using some alloy that is open to interpretation, we instead supply Lee with the dimensions we want the cavity cut to. As the picture now shows a nominal .382" slug, my suggestion is that we use that drawing as the cavity design and bump the OD to .384".

As a case in point, the recent 6.5mm Kurz 6 cavity group buy had 45 2.1's drawing showing a .270" nominal OD. The design was spec'ed with a +.001" tolerance. In preperation for velocity tests I cast slugs utilizing 3 alloys. I posted the results on the Cast Boolits forum along with the weights.

This was posted 10-31-05:

First was a 14 BHN (14.36);

Weight: 132grs
Diameter: .2688"

Next was 17 BHN (16.92):

Weight: 129gr
Diameter: .2696"

Last was 21 BHN (21.47):

Weight: 126gr
Diameter: .2714"

From looking at this, I suspect the 11 bhn batch will come in right at .268" and about 134-135grs or so.

************************************************** ***************

Obviously rather then the desired .270" OD the cavity must have been cut slightly larger, from the 21 BHN alloy showing that .2714" diameter. All lead alloys shrink, so the .2714" diameter didn't 'grow', but rather shrank less.

I suggest we go with a spec'd .384" + .001" design. Lets not have Lee interpreting the cavity OD based upon their thoughts of alloy shrinkage for 'their' idea of what WW alloy is.

Comments, suggestions?

......................Buckshot

trk
01-29-2006, 10:12 AM
It is obviously easier for them to warrent hitting a 'cut-to' dimension that a dimension of a secondary operation in use with no controls on their part.

That puts responsibility right where it should be. On them for cutting to dimension AND ON US for knowing what we're doing. I like that.

So what are the variables on size produced from a given mould cavity? Are they not but three? Alloy, temperature of alloy and temperature of mould? Perhaps pressure of alloy being poured.

It's a pain with only one bullet casting furnace to change alloys for each of us to document what OUR results are, but then that's one of the disciplines involved in knowing what we're doing.

I'll start a new thread. There are some issues here worth conversation.

Frank46
01-29-2006, 11:53 AM
Buchshot, I like your suggestion of the .384 diameter. From listening to all the problems with lee making molds to what their idea of what wheel weight alloy is fatter is better. Gives you more room to work in, and less chance of getting a boolit that may or may not be what we are looking for. If this group buy ever gets off the ground my check will be in the mail pronto. Frank

Tom Myers
01-29-2006, 12:12 PM
Buckshot,
I was just about to suggest the same thing as you, but you said it much better than I could.

Trk,
Regarding the as-cast dimensions as they relate to the mold cavity dimensions. I have a Lee 375-250-RF mold that has had the bevel base reamed to produce a plain flat based bullet.

This morning I carefully measured the diameter of the mold cavity at the bullet base and (according to my averages using a dial caliper that I consider the accuracy level to be at 0.0005") the cavity measured 0.3835" when cold. after 25 castings I again measured the cavity and the measurements were consistently at 0.3845". The castings were from wheelweights with 4.5% tin added to produce a facimilie of the Lyman #2 alloy. The last five castings each measured 0.3835" at the base diameter.


This is the first time that I have tried to determine the casting dimensions as related to the mold dimensions and I realize that much more testing should be performed before adopting the conclusion that this one test implies. The implication is that, from an aluminum mold, Bullets cast from Lyman #2 alloy will be of the same diameter as the cold mold cavity.


According to ratios that were calculated from the shrinkage data found in Lyman's Cast Bullet Handbook, If the Lyman #2 casts at 0.3835" then:
Wheelweights should drop at 0.3829",
Pure Lead should drop at 0.3823",
Linotype should drop at 0.3922" This is larger than the hot bullet cavity measured.
This anomaly further points out the need for further testing to determine precisely the relationship between cavity size and casting size.

Someone with more sophisticated measuring devices than I posses is needed to enlighten our present knowlege concerning the relationships.


Perhaps the new thread you are going to start will shake some knowledge out of the bushes.

Tom Myers

trk
01-29-2006, 02:34 PM
Tom - thanks for the starting place - the measurements and as-cast dimensions. From here we start collecting lots of folks experiences and the collected knowledge base will soon present a clear picture of what's going on.

3584ELK
02-01-2006, 08:34 PM
Being a mere "boolit mould" or maybe just "boolit lube" I have to confess ignorance, however I do want to pose a question. In all the threads I can recall, Lee moulds are thought of as being the red headed step- child of moulds. Why would Lee be the preferred vendor? Are their 6 cavity moulds manufactured better? Are they the only ones who will make a custom mould? Just trying to noodle this out!

waksupi
02-01-2006, 09:03 PM
Being a mere "boolit mould" or maybe just "boolit lube" I have to confess ignorance, however I do want to pose a question. In all the threads I can recall, Lee moulds are thought of as being the red headed step- child of moulds. Why would Lee be the preferred vendor? Are their 6 cavity moulds manufactured better? Are they the only ones who will make a custom mould? Just trying to noodle this out!

You're part right on your assessment. The one and two cavity molds tend to not survive as long as other molds, and loose thier accuracy faster. The six cavity molds, on the other hand, tend to be better made, and to last fairly well, especially if given the treatment Oldfeller gave to mine, recently posted.
Lee has the best prices on a six banger. End of story. Once dimensions are worked out, to eliminate any undersize molds from them, things should be good. Some have been good in the past, some not so good. Some of this has been caused by people wanting a bullet dropped to size, from the mold. Generally isn't going to work. If you get in on a group buy, be sure the minimum acceptable measurement is a thou over what you want, and you can size them down.

3584ELK
02-02-2006, 10:31 AM
Thanks for clearing that up! I have had disappointments with RCBS and Lyman moulds as well, even with as little casting experience as I have. Sad considering the money you spend.

Frank46
02-03-2006, 03:38 AM
3584ELK, welcome to the club. RCBS and Lyman have disappointed me as well. Their (rcbs)
300 gr 45 cal rifle boolit mold only casts at .457 for me. The lyman 311291 and 31141 molds
only cast out on the noses at .299-300. I use wheel weights with 2% tin. Funny thing as their #314299 for the .303 british and 7.62x54 russian casts at .303-.304 on the nose and .314 on the body. Now thats one great boolit. Frank

3584ELK
02-03-2006, 10:50 AM
3584ELK, welcome to the club. RCBS and Lyman have disappointed me as well. Their (rcbs)
300 gr 45 cal rifle boolit mold only casts at .457 for me. The lyman 311291 and 31141 molds
only cast out on the noses at .299-300. I use wheel weights with 2% tin. Funny thing as their #314299 for the .303 british and 7.62x54 russian casts at .303-.304 on the nose and .314 on the body. Now thats one great boolit. Frank

My problems have come from loose sprue plates and pivot bolts. Pretty disappointing...

Buckshot
02-25-2006, 01:53 AM
.................After doing a bit of checking, I believe if we spec a cavity OD of .384 + .001" tolerance, we will have a max lino slug of .3836-8" and a WW slug of .382". This is at ideal casting alloy and mould temp. High casting temps may cause an additional half thou growth regardless of alloy. So there will OD mitigation up or down.

I am teetering on the edge of whether to honcho this or not, at a .384" + .001" tolerance. If I do, it WILL have a GC. A cavity or 2 can have the GC shank bored for a PB. You cannot do the opposite and cut a GC shank later 8)

If someone just HAS to have a PB, ya better think about heading this up as the honcho will decide the design.

................BUckshot

Urny
02-25-2006, 10:31 AM
A tip of the hat ta ye, Buckshot. I'll take two.

Honchoin' one of these deals looks like a pretty large scale endeavor, and I've not quite worked up to it, yet. Admire those who take the plunge, though.

LIMPINGJ
02-25-2006, 02:49 PM
I would like the PB design for the cost factor for practice loads. That said I would take which ever the group goes with.
Jim

Tom Myers
02-25-2006, 03:46 PM
Buckshot

With Urny's commitment of 2 mold purchases instead of 1, and with LIMPINGJ's willingness to go with a checked version, that brings the total up to 24 souls that would be in for a gas check version of the mold.

Gas-check only

Buckshot
Dutch4122
Border Brewer
Nrut
Frank46
C1PNR
Centex Bill
Bardiamondm
3584ELK
Urny (2)
Plain-base only.

45-2.1
Steel Banger
trk
Jonah
oksmle
Prefer gas-check but would take plain-base.

Tom Myers
Lar45
Grumble
hpdrifter
Prefer plain-base but would take gas-check.

Chromecrow
Charlie/sw mo
LIMPINGJ
Would go with either one.

bdoyle
MoodyHoller
BlueSmoke
JD2
Iron Duke2
ShooterJK
Total of 24 for gascheck version

If my health were not so precarious right now, I would try my hand as the honcho for this buy. It looks like someone else, probably you, will need to take a'holt of the lines and make this pony pull.

I have updated the dimension sketch to what seems to be the consensus of all the opinions as to the final dimensions. Whoever does assume the task is welcome to copy and use this sketch of the cavity dimensions, or not, or let me know what changes need to be made. (The sketch dimensions and specifications may be quickly and easily changed and drawn either larger or smaller as needed)

Tom

Image of the proposed bullet
http://breeze.linksky48.com/~tommyers/LinkSkyImages/A%20Lee%206%20CavBullet%20384-255-GC%20%20258_gr.gif


http://breeze.linksky48.com/~tommyers/LinkSkyImages/Sketch%232-38-55-GC.gif

alamogunr
02-25-2006, 09:49 PM
Add me to the list of "prefer gas check but would take plain base". Don't really need it but I don't have anything to cast for my Win BB .375. Doesn't sound like it is necessary for me to say so, but I also want the 3rd crimp groove. I have a pile of .375 brass I bought when everyone was saying it was going to be discontinued.
John

Tom Myers
02-25-2006, 10:35 PM
We now have the requisite 25 commitments for a Gas Checked 38-55 6 cavity group buy.

1. Buckshot
2. Dutch4122
3. Border Brewer
4. Nrut
5. Frank46
6. C1PNR
7. Centex Bill
8. Bardiamondm
9. 3584ELK
11. Urny (2)
12. Tom Myers
13. Lar45
14. Grumble
15. hpdrifter
16. Chromecrow
17. Charlie/sw mo
18. LIMPINGJ
19. bdoyle
20. MoodyHoller
21. BlueSmoke
22. JD2
23. Iron Duke2
24. ShooterJK
25. alamogunr

libbyman
02-26-2006, 12:50 AM
I, Libbyman, will take a 6 cavity 38-55 mold with GC.
So that makes 26, right?

45nut
02-26-2006, 01:50 AM
Add me to the list as well. GC version will be dandy. Another addict........

oksmle
02-26-2006, 02:16 AM
Please put me down for one also. I guess I can open up five cavities for PB & save one for GC. oksmle

Buckshot
02-26-2006, 08:04 AM
..............Okay, I'll honcho the freaking thing:killingpc.

For anyone reading to this point, the final draft version of the slug is shown in post #56.

1) Please understand one thing very well. The dimensions shown in the drawing are for the CAVITY ONLY and are NOT the boolit's "as cast" dimension in any particular alloy.

2) People new to casting should understand that a highly alloyed mix SHRINKS LESS and will produce a LARGER slug then one of pure lead (as a baseline).

3) Your casting tempurature will also have an affect on "as cast" diameter. The hotter the mould blocks, the greater their expansion potential.

THERE IS A STICKY POSTED TO RECORD AND REPORT ORDER PROGRESS, AND EVENTUALLY THE IMPENDING CLOSING DATE.

COST WILL BE $57 U.S. FEDERAL RESERVE BUCKS. I AM SHIPPING THESE WITH A DELIVERY CONFIRMATION WHICH COSTS $0.60. THE CONFIRMATION NUMBER WILL BE POSTED WITH THE PURCHASER'S ZIP UPON SHIPMENT. ALL WILL BE SHIPPED USPS EXPRESS MAIL.

DEPENDING UPON THE ULTIMATE NUMBER OF SUBSCRIBERS, I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO SHIP IN SEVERAL DROPS, RATHER THEN ONE BIG ONE. BRIBES FOR INCLUSION IN FIRST GROUP SHIPMENTS (SHOULD IT BE REQUIRED) GRATEFULLY RECIEVED :bigsmyl2:


*********PM ME FOR MY MAILING ADDRESS. DO NOT E-MAIL************
*********PM ME FOR MY MAILING ADDRESS. DO NOT E-MAIL************
*********PM ME FOR MY MAILING ADDRESS. DO NOT E-MAIL************
*********PM ME FOR MY MAILING ADDRESS. DO NOT E-MAIL************

...............Buckshot