When I size (to.365) with my LEE 9mm sizing die, the large .359-.361 pills take large arm-strength. WHY are my latest batch so fat? The alloy mix includes equal parts range lead, cww, older casted/stored 41magnum re-melted, (and a few 2 ounce squares of linotype). The pot is a 40# reservoir POLICLIPS machine. The die is 6 cavity bronze. 136 gr rn.
The only deviation from normal was the adding of the few pounds of 41mag bullets re-melted . Can ALLOY change the final diameter of a cast boolet?
"If you are finished: unload, show clear, if clear, hammer down, holster". CLEAR!
Yes it can, duh bob. Generally, the harder the alloy, the greater the increase in boolit diameter. Lyman's Cast Bullet Handbook, 3rd. Edition has a chart showing how a given alloy affects the "as cast" diameter v. the diameter of the same bullet cast of pure lead.
Last edited by Maven; 01-27-2022 at 07:18 PM.
Thank you Maven the added magnums were possibly much harder than my cww and range lead mix.I hate using the LEE bh gage but that is next.
do you mean .356? For PC sizing, I've found that a spritz of Hornady one shot makes life much easier
Loren
Agreed about the spritz of Hornady one shot. Literally a spritz is all that’s needed.
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I can't lube the boolits or the sizer. The pills are getting powder coated next.
Powdercoat first, then size
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And size right after you've finished the bake. Wait a day and the arm strength necessary increases considerably.
^What he said. Size ASAP to limit hardening effects of antimonial alloys.
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Check the face of the mold. A little spec of lead or tin or other debris can prevent the mold from closing completely. Use a tooth pick or pencil to clear the vent lines of the mold. A razor can also be used to clean the vent lines or face of the mold, but used incorrectly can cause more problems than it fixes.
Right ... they Age Harden ! And the same thing applies to simply casting and air hardening boolits ...Originally Posted by jsizemore
Sizing the same or next day is much easier than waiting 5 - 7 days ...they age harden and become a bear to get sized .
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Wait a month or two and your ammo may fail to chamber b/c they have grown as they age harden.
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Thanks all for the help! WE unraveled a confusing little mystery.
Yes: the alloy was hard...
Yes: I had to leave the boolets for a few days...and, THEY HARDENED
And Maybe casting 1,200 in one session is jus' too many to manage
Last edited by duhbob; 01-28-2022 at 07:14 PM.
spinach, you need spinach
Loren
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