Cast bullets dropping too big

[DresserDan]

I am using a Lee 6 cav 22 Bator mold. Using range scrape. When I go to size in my .225 RCBS lube sizer the bullets come out like they are too big and they are rounded off so much they grease groves are filled in like smashed. I dont know what the temp is just going by eye. The bullets are coming out of the mold around .230. The die is good as I have used it before. So is it the temp? Too hot or not? Range scrap?

[Green Frog]

Range scrap (or “scrape”) is an unknown quantity at best. My advice would be to go back to a known alloy and start over. Remember, higher lead content tends to produce smaller bullets and high alloy (esp antimony?) tends to make your bullets drop larger.
Froggie

[Dusty Bannister]

Are you sure you are not applying pressure on the cam lever that cuts the sprue? Do you have fins on the sides of the bullet or perhaps see daylight between the mold halves?

[fredj338]

Most molds are sized based on Lyman #2. What is the cast weight? Try adding more tin, cast @ a higher temp.

[DresserDan]

I cant see any thing out of place. I did cast some with wheel weights but they were wrinkled as I am waiting for a new thermometer as I lost my old one. These bullets do have some fins on some?

[Shanghai Jack]

So fins generally indicate a not fully closed mold - the bullet will be out of round and larger than anticipated.

[DresserDan]

I am holding the spur lever down .

[DresserDan]

I cant see any That is what I thought also but I can not see any. Its a new mold old stock.

[Mal Paso]

I am holding the spur lever down .

Watch that you don't put any pressure on the sprue cutter lever and hold only the 2 handles closed. Pressure on the sprue cutter handle will open the mold.

[DresserDan]

I took my mold handles off to check things out. One screw for the handles was a little loose. The mold wont rotate with handles off. I did see a very tiny piece of lead in one of the pin holes. Maybe between those two things that was it. I will try again this weekend . Thanks for the help.

[gwpercle]

I am holding the spur lever down .

Don't hold the sprue lever dpwn ... this might be your problem .

Check for any lead or burr that may be keeping the mould blocks from completely closing .

Grip only the mould handles and grip them firmly .

Good Luck ,
Gary

[Waydeo]

I agree with fredj338 and add some tin .

[dondiego]

I found that on LEE 6 cav molds if I held the handles too tightly, it opened the far end of the mold a little making the boolits larger and finned.

[Larry Gibson]

I am holding the spur lever down .

Do not do that. It causes the mould to not be closed correctly. The bottom will be canted open. Just hold the mold handles and let the sprue handle be loose.