Additional diameter with 2% tin?

[1Papalote]

How much can I expect from a 2% mix with WW? My 311041 is about .309 with WW. Will I see .311 with this addition?

1Papalote

[462]

Unless your boolits don't have nicely defined features, rather than using added tin, I say "beagle" the mould (search word beagle). .003" is easily attainable.

[243winxb]

Your going to need antimony. Rotometal has ingots 30% antimony- 70% lead. Try also to cast at the coldest alloy possible, less shrinkage in the mould. http://www.redding-reloading.com/pages/bulletweights.html
Bullet Sizes and Weights-
How to Vary Them

The bullet diameters and weights presented in this list are based on the use of Taracorp’s Lawrence Magnum bullet alloy (2% tin, 6% antimony, 1/4% arsenic, 91.75% lead).

You should be aware that bullet diameters and weights will vary considerably depending on the lead casting alloy used. This variation can be as much as 1/2% on the diameter, and 8% on the weight among the most commonly used casting alloys. For example, a .358-158 grain bullet might show a diameter variation of .002", and a 13 grain difference in weight.

In order to provide a hard bullet, and due to the availability of high antimony content alloys such as scrap wheel weights and type metal, many casters are using high antimony content alloys. SAECO moulds work well with these high antimony content leads, but you should be aware of the variations they may produce.

Of the most commonly used alloys, wheel weights (.5% tin, 4% antimony, 95% lead) will produce bullets having the smallest diameter and heaviest weight, with such bullets running approximately .3% smaller in diameter and 3% heavier than bullets cast with Taracorp's metal. Linotype will produce bullets with the largest diameter and lightest weights. This alloy will produce bullets approximately 1/10% larger and 3% lighter than Taracorp. Other alloys of tin and antimony, with antimony content above 5%, will produce bullets with diameters and weights falling between those cast from wheel weights and linotype.

Alloys containing little or no antimony will cast considerably smaller than wheel weights and in some cases will produce bullets too small for adequate sizing. Within the limitations given above, the weight and diameter of a cast bullet can be adjusted by varying the alloy’s antimony content.

The size and weight of bullets of a given alloy will also vary according to casting temperature. Higher temperatures will result in greater shrinkage as the bullet cools, thereby producing a slightly smaller and lighter bullet than one cast of the same alloy at a lower temperature.




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[Larry Gibson]

I often add 2% tin to WWs. I do this because most often I get a better cast bullet with less rejects. A side benifit is a little bit harder bullet, especially if WQing. Will it increase the cast diameter? That depends on numerous things; casting temp, volume of mould, speed of molten alloy into the mould, consistant mould temperature, etc. For the most part my old 311041HP mold will drop bullets at .309-.310 with strait WW alloy. With 2% tin added the 311041HP cast bullets drop a very consistant .311" with fewer rejects. This is with a single cavity mould. Multiple cavity moulds can vary in diamter more.

Larry Gibson

[Gohon]

Before doing anything, measure the mould. No matter what you mix, it can't be larger than the mould unless you alter the mould. I've been told that Lyman makes their moulds to cast .002 - .003 oversize when cast out of their Lyman #2 mix. If that is true, then .311 is doable but if not then your mould is dropping the size it was designed for, or at least advertised to be. Since WW is usually 3-4% antimony and .5% tin you would need to add at least 3% more tin to get close to #2 alloy.

[runfiverun]

you ain't gettin 3 thou from 2% tin. [one maybe] and i doubt you get that much more from linotype. i get about +1 more from my 4/6 mix i use. over ww and tin mix.
lyman has an as cast predicted diameter chart in their manual that is pretty much right on, and it deals with this very accurately. [page 58 airc from memory]

[243winxb]

The lower the % of lead in the pot the better. The old mould #31141 using #2 alloy is said to drop at .311" from the mould in Lymans 45th Edition. Largest suggested sizing diameter is .309" I think #311041 replaced the old mould. Just a guess. http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n420/joe1944usa/th_Alloy_20090610_1.jpg (http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n420/joe1944usa/Alloy_20090610_1.jpg) http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n420/joe1944usa/th_Alloy_20090610_2.jpg (http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n420/joe1944usa/Alloy_20090610_2.jpg)