LEE mold drop weights

[mmorris]

I have both the 6 cavity TL452-230-TC and the 2 cavity 452-230-TC (same bullet/single lube-groove version), both new molds. The same pot of lead casts the tumble-lube version at 238 grains, and the single lube-groove version at 228 grains.
For those who use these molds, is it normal for the TL version to be 8 grains over the 230 grain spec?

[rsrocket1]

Yup, depending on the alloy used. My first casts with the 6 cavity TL452-230-TC were with 4:1 lino:wheelweights BHN 18-20 and my bullets dropped at 240g.

[tsubaki]

Seeing the above numbers, I'd be inclined to believe it's the mold design.
It would be interesting for others using the same molds to post their results.

I'm just starting to decipher some of my casting now that I'm fooling with centerfire pistol.
Here are 2 of my results out the same pot with an unknown alloy content at BHN11.
My Lee TL430-240-SWC is dropping at 242gr and the Lee 452-255-RF is dropping at 260gr.

[mmorris]

My first casts with the 6 cavity TL452-230-TC were with 4:1 lino:wheelweights BHN 18-20 and my bullets dropped at 240g.

Thanks, rsrocket1.
My alloy is straight wheel weights.

I plan on loading these for my new Ruger SR45.
Data for W231 from the Hodgdon web site starts at 4.3 grains and 1.200 OAL.
This, however, seems low to start based on 5.0 gr not cycling the slide enough to remove the brass from the chamber using the Hornady 185 gr. XTP. I had to put 5.3 gr to get a stovepipe It takes nearly 6.0 gr to put the brass on the ground.

Is anyone shooting these in the SR45?

[C. Latch]

I *think* Lee calculates their mold weights based on the assumption that you'd use Lyman #2 alloy or something similar, as all of mine cast overweight by 2% to 4% or so.

[wddodge]

I'm in the process of loading a batch of TL452-230-TC that was cast from a 6 cavity using straight wheel weights. I reached in the bucket and grabbed 2 handfuls and they ranged from 234.4 to 236.8 with the vast majority of them 235.something.

Denny

[Yodogsandman]

My 6 cavity Lee 452-230 TC casts at 234.0 gr with COWW+1 1/2% Sn.

[philzilla]

My lee mold drop heavy to 5 to 8 g

[Thin Man]

Yes, your alloy will make the difference. Just yesterday I started casting with a Lee 452-200-RF mold. Being in a mood to get things running I gathered several ingots and threw them in the furnace. Some were COWW, others (a few less) were straight lead. Cast weight of boolits went 215 grains. Not to worry, I can adjust the powder charge for the heavier weight of these boolits so pressure does not become an issue. My plan is to experiment with groups in a 45 Colt Blackhawk and cycling/groups in a 1911.

Thin Man