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Thread: Best molds for 50/50 alloy

  1. #1
    Boolit Master Marlin Junky's Avatar
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    Best molds for 50/50 alloy

    I'll probably end up buying a new Marlin 1895 soon and would like to get some input on the best molds out there for casting boolits with an alloy made 50% Pb and 50% clip-on WW metal. This alloy will be used for max. loads and heat treated after sizing/checking. I have a 457122HP still in the factory wrapper but am apprehensive about using it on my maiden voyage into 45-70 territory... especially since it is a single cavity mold.

    MJ

  2. #2
    Boolit Master on Heaven’s Range
    WHITETAIL's Avatar
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    MJ, That is a great boolet for the 45-70!
    I have one and I cast mine at 50-50.

  3. #3
    Boolit Master Marlin Junky's Avatar
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    Whitetail,

    Do you have any tips for an enjoyable casting session with 457122HP? How many good ones can you make in an hour or so? I have a nice big pot (Magma 40#'er) and use a Rowell#2 ladle and always pre-heat my molds on a hot plate before casting but I've never used a HP mold before.

    MJ

    P.S. What do the bullets weigh when cast of 50%Pb/50%WW?
    Last edited by Marlin Junky; 03-01-2008 at 10:51 PM.

  4. #4
    Boolit Buddy
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    Marlin Junky , The main problem I have had was to keep the HP pin hot. dont leave it out of the mold blocks any longer than you have to or it wil cool quickly and cause problems. Other than that I have had little problems with HP or HB molds. And run your alloy hot! Have fun.

  5. #5
    Boolit Grand Master

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    I have had excellent results with the RCBS 405 GC FN. I have had very
    poor results with Lee 405.

    For a powerful hunting load, try 57.0 WW748 under the RCBS 405 or
    a Rem j-bullet 405 and a magnum primer. This shoots 1.5" at 100 with
    my SS GG, and chronos 1750, not a plinking load but trapdoor pressure
    range. Try 12 gr Unique or 23.0 SR4759 with a regular primer with the
    405 cast for a very light plinker and medium plinker.

    Bill
    If it was easy, anybody could do it.

  6. #6
    Boolit Master
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    Best mold for 50/50? The best mold is the one that will give you enough diameter.

    As an example, my LEE 452-200RF throws .454 with my WW at 725 degrees. 50/50 is right at .451 at 775 degrees and a tad under in places. Bullets weigh @ 210 grains.
    Reading can provide limited education because only shooting provides YOUR answers as you tie everything together for THAT gun. The better the gun, the less you have to know / do & the more flexibility you have to achieve success.

  7. #7
    Boolit Master Marlin Junky's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bass Ackward View Post
    Best mold for 50/50? The best mold is the one that will give you enough diameter.

    As an example, my LEE 452-200RF throws .454 with my WW at 725 degrees. 50/50 is right at .451 at 775 degrees and a tad under in places. Bullets weigh @ 210 grains.
    Bass,

    Do the iron and steel molds behave that way with 50/50 too? Maybe I should try 75/25 first! Or add some tin.

    MJ

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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check