New to me, loading rifle bullets

[sniper]

O.K., I just did it: You guys are a terrible influence on me! Ordered 200 Montana Bullet Works linotype 100 gr. GC cast bullets to try in my Ruger .257 Roberts! Is this the right forum?

"ONLY 200?"; some of you may say. That's taking into consideration the WIIDOW factor. (What If It DOn't Work?)

It's the first time ever I have attempted cast bullets in a rifle, and I am a bit excited!

I have 4895, Unique and Blue Dot that I can use for loads. Does anyone have experience with any of those powders, or others , for that matter... I'm open to suggestions... for the Roberts, or similar size cartridges, like 6 mm Remmie?

I plan to load no faster than ~ 2200 fps, if the rifle agrees. Should I seat the bullets touching the rifling, or with some free travel?

Any suggestions will be welcome. Thanks.

[Razor]

Sorry ..no experience with .257.....

But.. Back your boolit off 'bout .001" from engaging the rifling..

And, we obviously ain't that bad an influence on you yet...since you ordered cast boolits..
Otherwise you'd have a $300 order from Midway or Midsouth for moulds and such on the way.

Razor

[NSP64]

Welcome to the 'DARK SIDE' I came here for muzzleloader advice and have since bought 2 handguns and 1 rifle to cast and load for ('honest dear they made me do it') I don't load .257 but I do load 7x39 with IMR4895 (22.2gr under 155 gr GC boolit 1700fps) and if you look around you'll see loads listed for the other powders.
P.S. they make me cast shot for the scatterguns too.
P.S.S. Get a laddle, a RCBS mold(100gr),Lee push through die and your in business. Watch the sellin/tradin section for molds and things.

[DLCTEX]

I'll be loading cast 257's in a 257 Wby. next week when my gas checks get here. I have the boolits cast from two molds I have acquired and will start my efforts with 2400 powder. I have had good results with 2400 in 243 and 22 with cast. I will be loading 308 cast boolits when my backordered barrel wrench gets here. It's fun and addictive. DALE

[sniper]

I can see I am going to have to invest in some 2400...just to be sure I have the "best" powder, you understand!



****** "...It's fun and addictive." DALE


Yes, it is a Fine and Pleasant Madness, isn't it?

[carpetman]

Sniper---First time you have attempted cast bullets in a rifle and you are excited. Why don't you cast them in a bullet mold? I have found Unique works pretty good in a lot of applications and I prefer it to 2400. Seems 2400 leaves a lot of unburned powder. I see no problem exceeeding 2200 fps by a bunch. I do it in .243 and use straight wheel weights, felix lube and get no leading.

[Tom W.]

Bought cast bullets?????
It's OK for now, but when that bug really bites you......

[sniper]

Sniper---First time you have attempted cast bullets in a rifle and you are excited. Why don't you cast them in a bullet mold?

I gotta have a MOULD?

I told ya I are a newbie!


Tom W: I know that is a character flaw, akin to tea drinking or fern fondling, but I can stop any time, really I can!

[Tom W.]

Uhhh huh... That's why I have a shelf full of various molds, two lead pots and a shed full of ingots. It's coming..Get ready and go on and make a place for your stuff....

[Hang Fire]

Decades ago, I used to load cast in a 257 Ackley Improved and 25-06, can't remember the loads, but know they were lower than 2200 fps. Do recall the Ackley Improved was more accurate than the 25-06.

[Tom W.]

So tell us, how did things go?

[DLCTEX]

I loaded 100 gr. and 83 gr. boolits in the 257 Wby. today over 20 gr. 2400 for both. The wind was so bad I really couldn't tell how they will group, but they hit much lower than the jacketed. DALE

[grouch]

I get good accuracy with 10 gr of H110. With the powders you've listed, I'd try about 15 - 16gr of 4895. If there's a point to more velocity you can push it of course, but just to make holes in a target, these loads work well in my rifle.
Grouch