I am looking for a good rifle to cast boolits for, in an easy caliber to cast and load. Looking for a combo that has the least hassle.....like I said, easy. I collect old service rifles, so I may have one that is suitable, just looking for recommendations and info. This will probably end up as a plinker, but may be used as a bush/hunting gun in the future.
I currently have: Swedish Mauser M96 in 6.5x55 , Gewehr 88 in 8mm, Finnish M39 in 7.62x54, Finnish M91 in 7.62x54, 1943 German Mauser in 8mm, 1917 Enfield in 30-06, and Lee Enfield No1 MkIII in 303 brit. I dont mind buying a rifle, as long as it isnt too expensive. I did find an older (1970's) Winchester 94 in 30-30 for $200. There is also a Marlin/Glenfield lever action 30-30 rifle that I would possibly get for around the same price, but I have heard that they have micro groove rifling, which isnt good for cast boolits. Several have recommended the 30-30 as a beginner rifle for casting, but others have said that the 30-30 case needs to be trimmed after every firing. Some have recommended a lever gun in 45colt. That would be great , but I havent found one for a decent price. They seem to demand a premium over their 30-30 chambered bretheren.
I have plenty of wheel weight alloy to cast. I have very little linotype. Would wheel weight alloy with a gas check work?
Any help/info/recommendations would be appreciated.