Cast bullets in 348 Winchester?

[cztrouba]

Hello I'm new to this form and I need some advice.
I have a model 71 Winchester 348 and I would like to shoot cast bullets.
At this time the only mold I have is a Herter's that drops 187 gr gas check bullets.
It is very close to a Lyman #350447.
Can anyone suggest a powder and starting load?
I have tried 41.0 of 3031 and 28.0 to 32.0 of 4198 and have not been satisfied with
the results.
Any help you can give me is greatly appreciated.
Thanks Bob

[jtaylor1960]

I shoot 47.0grs. of Varget with my 250gr. bullet. It doesn't shoot great but I have killed deer with it.You might try H-4895 as it works well when reduced from maximum.What diameter are you shooting? I use bullets sized to .351.

[Buckshot]

...............There is a member here who's handle is Ammohead. Send him a PM about the 348 Winchester. He has one and had a Lee mould drilled out by the shop guys where he was working so he could paper patch them. It's a shooting essobee.

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

[Le Loup Solitaire]

Hi and welcome to the forum. I've been shooting the 348 for a long time and use the old Lyman 350482, a 250 grain roundnose which unfortunately has long been discontinued. The 350447 weighs about 185 grains and here is a group of loading data from two older Lyman manuals; All are IMR powders.
4759 20 grains=1400 fps 4227...start 20.0 gr=1525 fps
4198 33 grains=2000 Max 29.0 gr=2150
3031 42 grains=2150 4759...start 20.0 gr=1400
4064 43 grains=2130 Max 26.0 gr=1710
4895 43 grains=2115 4198...start 26.0 gr=1615
Max 35.0 gr=2200
3031...start 40.0 gr=1890
Max 48.0 gr=2365
4064...start 41.0 gr=1870
Max 49.0 gr=2300
4320...start 41.0 gr=1900
Max 50.0 gr=2285
4350...start 43.0 gr=1790
Max 52.0 gr=2150

As you can see the loads from the left hand column fit into the load listings on the right with the exception of 4895. I would recommend using the start figures and work up rather than using anything near the maximums. Look for grouping and accuracy. The max's, particularly those over 2000fps will kick like a mule. A lot of newer powders are around now and I'm sure that some of them would work fine as well, but I don't have any info or data. A good manual would have that if they still list 348WCF. Anyway this should get you going or at least give you a good ballpark to work in. Brass is a bear to find and is pretty expensive so if you can keep sizing and crimping to a minimum the brass will live a lot longer. good luck and good shooting. LLS

[Le Loup Solitaire]

Hi and welcome to the forum. I've been shooting the 348 for a long time and use the old Lyman 350482, a 250 grain roundnose which unfortunately has long been discontinued. The 350447 weighs about 185 grains and here is a group of loading data from two older Lyman manuals; All are IMR powders.
4759 20 grains=1400 fps 4227...start 20.0 gr=1525 fps
4198 33 grains=2000 Max 29.0 gr=2150
3031 42 grains=2150 4759...start 20.0 gr=1400
4064 43 grains=2130 Max 26.0 gr=1710
4895 43 grains=2115 4198...start 26.0 gr=1615
Max 35.0 gr=2200
3031...start 40.0 gr=1890
Max 48.0 gr=2365
4064...start 41.0 gr=1870
Max 49.0 gr=2300
4320...start 41.0 gr=1900
Max 50.0 gr=2285
4350...start 43.0 gr=1790
Max 52.0 gr=2150

As you can see the loads from the left hand column fit into the load listings on the right with the exception of 4895. I would recommend using the start figures and work up rather than using anything near the maximums. Look for grouping and accuracy. The max's, particularly those over 2000fps will kick like a mule. A lot of newer powders are around now and I'm sure that some of them would work fine as well, but I don't have any info or data. A good manual would have that if they still list 348WCF. Anyway this should get you going or at least give you a good ballpark to work in. Brass is a bear to find and is pretty expensive so if you can keep sizing and crimping to a minimum the brass will live a lot longer. good luck and good shooting. LLS

[JFE]

I have spreadsheet that I got from someone on leverguns - it's a compilation of 348 Win loads from a number of sources and lists jacketed and cast loads. If anyone wants a copy PM your email address and I'll send you a copy.

Joe.

p.s. I dont have that mould but best loads I've developed so far are :

Barnes FN 250gr & 57 gr AR 2209 (= H-4350) - MV 2300 fps.

CBE cast 270gr & 47 gr IMR 4064 (old tin) - MV 2150 fps

Both loads are very accurate.

[wildwilly]

I get consistent 2 MOA from my Browning 71 carbine with the RCBS .348 mould. The boolits come out at 205 gr. with gc; wheel wt. water quenched, sized .349"; 28 gr. H4198. This load really whacks the steel gong set at 200yds.

[cztrouba]

Thanks to everyone for the information. I knew this was the right place to ask.
Thanks again
Bob