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I am currently shooting factory 9mm in my STEN on full auto. I am considering using cast loads, as being a bit more economical. I have the lee . 356 124 grain. I am thinking that the harder cast, like linotype might be good.
Any one have experience with this?
Bill C
There is nothing like leading at a full-auto pace.
Slugged the bore yet? Wartime guns vary a lot so it would be wise to know your barrel dimensions when picking a mold.
Wheel weights water dropped or 1/2 lino / 1/2 WW water dropped would be my best bet for alloys.
Good lube - carnuaba red or Felix.
I have a MK760. I have probably shot 20 k of lead loads through it. Load just like you would a pistol. Just like a pistol too hard will lead the barrel. The big problem was getting the barrel clean to start shooting lead. Jacket fouling seems to grab the lead. Go to a Outers Foul-Out to try to get the lead out of the barrel, once its clean give it a try. I don't use lino or hardened bullets even in 41/44 mag. If you want to get some specific loads , message me. Also, make sure your loads are hot enough to cycle the bolt back to the sear; or you could wind up with a runaway gun.
I slugged my bores, they seem pretty tight, my MkII is .358 and my MkV is .357. I am thinking of using wheel weights, and the Lee 124gr, with a charge of UNique. What loads might be a good start?
Ed Harris over on the CBA forum recalls 'soldering' up an AK47 using cast loads! HAHA. Have fun. At least with the Sten you don't have to consider accuracy.......
I've been using Oregon Trail's 124 grain RN .356 inch cast bullets in my STEN Mk II and MP40. Powder charge has been 4.4 grains of HP38. They both lead some but it cleans out with normal cleaning.
MLV
Ask that FISH4BUGS character. He plays with cast in full auto toys regularly.
Bore diam is going to be the key. If you are well fitted (+.001 or .002) and don't
shoot until the barrel is hotter than the melting point of lead (actually a possibility, I
suppose) you should be good to go.
Bill
lol - never considered the barrel could melt lead...
I guess you could let it melt and run out and back into a mold!
[QUOTE=MtGun44;don't
shoot until the barrel is hotter than the melting point of lead (actually a possibility, I
suppose) you should be good to go.
Bill[/QUOTE]
Interestingly this can be an issue in jacketed bullets, when you are running with a supressor. If you severly overheat the weapon it can cause the lead to melt inside the jacket destabilizing the bullets and increasing the probability of baffle strikes.