Cast bullet suggestions for 256 win mag.

[K-Rod]

My Uncle picked up a beautiful Ruger Hawkeye, bunch of factory loaded ammo, brass and dies. He asked if I could find a good mold to feed it. Any suggestions or personal input?

Thanks

[DeanWinchester]

The .256 seems to be the arch nemesis of the boolit caster. Could be one of the least receptive to cast lead of any small cartridge out there. Don't mean it can't be done, just be prepared to work for it. Best of luck to you.

[Blackwater]

Can't tell you about what cast bullets to use, but CAN advise from experience that if you form cases from .357's that it'll help a lot if you anneal the case necks BEFORE sizing them down to .256's. I have heard of folks using a .30 Mauser size die as an intermediate step in sizing, and if you have one handy or can get one, that'd be a good purchase, probably. FWIW.

[WALLNUTT]

Be careful of setting the shoulder back after firing. The 256 is notorious for oversize chambers and case head seperation.

[Leadmelter]

Call CH dies and they make an intermediate form die that you use before you size in a regular FL die.
I bought and NOE mold, can't remember the # about 80 gr with a gas check. I made some but have not gotten around to work up a load. My 256 mag is in the TC Contender. Good Luck!
Leadmelter
MI

[Mk42gunner]

I think I would start with the Lyman 257420. There is data in the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook 3rd ed., in both the rifle and handgun sections.

Robert

[tward]

I've been casting the NOE .258 80 gr and about to do a load work up. I have had good luck in forming cases in the FL sizing die, used Lee case lube and a slow interrupted down stroke of the press, had 3% case loss. Tim

[ohland]

if you form cases from .357's that it'll help a lot if you anneal the case necks BEFORE sizing them down to .256's. I have heard of folks using a .30 Mauser size die as an intermediate step in sizing, and if you have one handy or can get one, that'd be a good purchase, probably. FWIW.

We didn't anneal, used the 30 Mauser sizing die, and I can't remember loosing many (if at all) from new 357 brass.

The 30 Luger and 7.62x25 dies should work as well, as they have the same general neck configuration.

[K-Rod]

Thanks for all the input guys. He ended up with about 200pc of brass and almost 300pc of factory ammo. If he wants to get into case forming 357 brass, I'll be sure sure to tell him what you all have said.