Cast for 308/30-06

[easy ed]

I want to start casting for 308 and 30-06 bolt rifles. Would appreciate some advice on what mold or molds would be best. Would like a bullet weight of 150 to 180 grains using gas checks and will be using wheel weights with %5 lead. Thanks in advance.

For each 100 pound of wheel weights I add 5 pound of lead to make the mold fill out better.

Easy Ed

[HangFireW8]

Ed,


I want to start casting for 308 and 30-06 bolt rifles. Would appreciate some advice on what mold or molds would be best.

The fastest route to accuracy is either the Lyman 3110291 (170gr) or the Lee equivalent, sized as little as possible to hopefully .0005" over bore diameter and lubed with NRA formula 50/50 Alox/Beeswax lube. Size the neck to tension hold the bullet without crimping and seat the gas check in the neck, not below it.

Lots of other molds and lubes will or may work as well.

Not sure what %5 lead is. Wheel weights often could use a little in added for good mold fill out, but that plus antimony leaves more than 95% lead.

-HF

[462]

easy ed,
I use a RCBS 30-180-SP and an Ideal 308291 (new Lyman number 311291).

[R.C. Hatter]

:coffee:As good a place as you could start would be Lyman #311291 or #311041, the former being round nosed and the latter being flat nosed. Both are gas check bullets, relatively easy to cast, and are generally accurate in most .30 caliber rifles. Should you desire something heavier, the SAECO #301 196 gr. bullet is not a bad choice. Be aware however, that Lyman moulds nowadays have a reputation for being undersized, especially in the forepart.

[Lead Fred]

I went with

http://www.ranchdogmolds.com/Ranch_Dog_Molds/Marlin%20Leverguns/Gas%20Checked%20Bullets/TLC311-165-RF/Bullet/slides/TLC311165RF_Bullet_Sketch.jpg

[Buckshot]

................Both of those cartridges are SO easy to load for, it's almost as easy as picking a mould for a design that turns you on :-) Since the 308's caseneck is kinda short, if you have some phobia over exposed lube grooves that'd really be the only concern.

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

[cast367]

Easy Ed

Many years I cast several bullits. With 308/30-06 good results.
But I use pure lead with 30% lino type. I gives a very hard bullit.
With 22 grs Acc no.9 in a 30-06 , an exelent result.
Weelweights no any longer available in Holland .

[cast367]

Easey Ed

I forgot to write I use the 180 grs RCBS and the 200 grs LEE mould.I use a
Hornady gascheck.
I use a match bolt rifle for 30-06 and 308.
Its reduced the cost of ammo in combination with Acc no.9

[sqlbullet]

I run a Lee 200 grain gas check with Felix lube over 42 grains of H4831 + 1/4 sheet TP in my Garands. I seat the bullet to just past the crimp groove and crimp it with a Lee Factory Crimp die. I have been very happy with this load from an accuracy and function perspective, but the tite-wad in me wants to cut the cost.

I am going have the mold altered to a plain base and try using a faster powder, like Reloader 15 or H4895. Hope to end up with similar accuracy, but break the ¢10/round barrier.

My lead alloy is 96/3/1 and I water drop for a final BHN after aging of 28-30.

[Buckshot]

Easy Ed

Many years I cast several bullits. With 308/30-06 good results.
But I use pure lead with 30% lino type. I gives a very hard bullit.
With 22 grs Acc no.9 in a 30-06 , an exelent result.
Weelweights no any longer available in Holland .

.............I need to get some AA#9. It HAS to be easier to work with then WC820! Seems everyone and their brother recommends it for the 38 Super also.

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

[shotman]

the RD mold is very good for both Remember that a buckshot said the nrck is shorter on the 308 try to keep your gas check as close to neck so you dont have one come off inside case

[Bob J]

Ed,



The fastest route to accuracy is either the Lyman 3110291 (170gr) or the Lee equivalent, sized as little as possible to hopefully .0005" over bore diameter and lubed with NRA formula 50/50 Alox/Beeswax lube. Size the neck to tension hold the bullet without crimping and seat the gas check in the neck, not below it.

Lots of other molds and lubes will or may work as well.

Not sure what %5 lead is. Wheel weights often could use a little in added for good mold fill out, but that plus antimony leaves more than 95% lead.

-HF

This! Pretty much says it all from my experience as well.....

[Larry Gibson]

Ed,



The fastest route to accuracy is either the Lyman 3110291 (170gr) or the Lee equivalent, sized as little as possible to hopefully .0005" over bore diameter and lubed with NRA formula 50/50 Alox/Beeswax lube. Size the neck to tension hold the bullet without crimping and seat the gas check in the neck, not below it.

Lots of other molds and lubes will or may work as well.

Not sure what %5 lead is. Wheel weights often could use a little in added for good mold fill out, but that plus antimony leaves more than 95% lead.

-HF

+2 for this method. Amazingly simple and easy to do. Suggest 4895 with a dacron filler and push this combo at 1750 - 1950 fps. My best accuracy in 10" twist barrels usually comes right around 1850 fps.

Larry Gibson

[largom]

Ed,



The fastest route to accuracy is either the Lyman 3110291 (170gr) or the Lee equivalent, sized as little as possible to hopefully .0005" over bore diameter and lubed with NRA formula 50/50 Alox/Beeswax lube. Size the neck to tension hold the bullet without crimping and seat the gas check in the neck, not below it.

Lots of other molds and lubes will or may work as well.

Not sure what %5 lead is. Wheel weights often could use a little in added for good mold fill out, but that plus antimony leaves more than 95% lead.

-HF


+3 Only I use the 311041, the RD 311-165, 311407, 311466, and a few others as well. As Larry Gibson said, a bit of Dacron can tighten up the extreme spreads and improve accuracy. 30 calibers were born to be accurate and fun, except for the magnums.

Larry