170gr cast boolit for M1917

[Chief TC]

Hi everyone. I have 170gr .310 dia cast boolits I want to load for my M1917. I have a Hornady reloading manual for A4064 but it is for jacketed bullets. My Lyman reloading manual doesn't have A4064 for the cast bullets. What do you all think I should do as a starting point? Should I just use the grain count for around 2200 fps in my Hornady manual for a 168gr jacket bullet? Thanks in advance for any advice.

[lotech]

I've never used either 4064 powder for cast bullets and don't know about their suitability, but the AA version is only very slighly slower than the IMR powder. Not close enough to use exactly the same data, but very close.

[405grain]

It's not a good idea to use jacketed bullet data for cast bullets. I've used IMR-4064 for jacketed loads in 30-06, and it preforms well, but it wouldn't be in any of my choices for cast loads in the 30-06. I suggest that you either get a copy of the 4th edition of the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook, or download a pdf version of the 3rd edition off the internet. Another resource for cast loads would be Richard Lee's Modern Reloading. You can download it here: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...EkbwxyjjSPn3vZ

The RCBS Cast Bullet Handbook has 30-06 loads for it's 165 grain and 180 grain bullets, which should give you a bracket for 170 grain loads (always start at lowest loads listed and work up). The Lyman #311291 is a 170 grain 30 caliber bullet, so do an internet search for loads for that bullet in 30-06. For good cast loads when first starting out you should try for velocity's between 1600 fps and 1800 fps. Lower velocities can be achieved with small charges of faster pistol powders, but pressures rise quickly when charges of pistol powders are increased. You're probably best off starting out with slower pistol, or faster rifle powders. Use published loads and start at the low ends and work up loads in small increments while watching for any pressure signs. With cast bullets too much pressure and velocity usually shows itself by a sudden decrease in accuracy.

[Larry Gibson]

Are your cast bullets GC'd?

If they are you'll want to keep the velocity under 2000 fps, preferably in the 1750 - 1950 fps range for accuracy. As mentioned, 4064 isn't the best powder choice for that relatively lightweight cast bullet in the 30-06. If you want to try it you should start at 28 gr and use a dacron filler. Since you are apparently new at this game I suggest, again as already mentioned you get a cast bulet manual and do a bit of research. You can download the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook #3 which is an excellent place to start.

If your cast bullets are plain based w/o GCs then you'll definately not want to use 4064. Unique or Red Dot would be much better in keeping the velocity down in the 1200 to 1400 fps range for accuracy. Do u have any powders other than 4064?

[Chief TC]

Thanks for the replies thus far and understood on all counts. I have the latest Lyman manual with cast bullet loading data, so I just need to procure the correct powder since my powder for jacket bullets will not be practical. I have been reloading for my 30-06 with jacketed 168 gr for awhile and they perform very well in our local competitions but I was interested to see how the rifle performed with 170 gr cast moly-coated bullets and no GC. I love my M1917 since it is all original Winchester parts and the original barrel is in great shape and I'd like to shoot it more and reduce barrel wear with cast bullets. Again, thanks so much for the detailed info. I'll try to find a good powder per the Lyman cast bullet data. Still a little challenging to find certain powders. I've been able to get some of the ones i want through Cabela's and delivered to the store saving shipping and HAZMAT charges but some of the ones i want are still unavailable. I wish they sold BP, I load more of that and would be nice to get it without all the extra fees.

[centershot]

Chief TC,
Here is a link to an article specifically about loading cast boolits in military rifles, it is a sticky in the Military Rifle section. A 16.0 gr. charge of Alliant #2400 with your boolit is a great place to start! Good luck with your M1917, that's a great rifle!

https://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?13425-Cast-Bullet-Loads-for-Military-Rifles-Article

[Chief TC]

Thanks centershot! Very helpful! Actually, I do have the powder based on the article. I can use 17 gr of IMR4227 as a starting point but the author wrote the powder charge needs to be to tilted to the primer for best results. Never heard of anything like that but I'll try as he suggest. Thanks again!

[Larry Gibson]

"170 gr cast moly-coated bullets and no GC"

I suspect with those not being GC'd the 16 gr of 2400 or the 17 gr of 4227 is still going to be pushing those bullets too fast. Using 10 to 12 gr of Red Dot, Herco, Green Dot or Unique will put you into the 1200 - 1400 +/- fps range that you'll find best for those bullets in your rifle. Those powders won't be as position sensitive either.

[Chief TC]

Copy that Larry - understood. amazing how much the velocity has to be reduced for these bullets.

[charlie b]

Look through here.

http://www.gmdr.com/lever/lowveldata.htm

I use Blue Dot in my .308 and it works well. No filler either.

[Bad Ass Wallace]

My Springfield A3 works on a load of 31.5gn of 3031 with the Lyman 311284 (208gn) I'm sure 29gn with your 170gn would work also.

https://i.imgur.com/SabiU6Dl.jpg

[Chief TC]

That's bad ass shootin' Wallace and thanks for the info. I don't have an A3 but I know they are an excellent target rifle as you have demonstrated. Thanks for link charlie b.