I've been reading lots of info here....
First a little info on me so you know my experience level.
I'm fairly new to reloading. I've loaded just over 2000 rounds in 38 spl, 357 and 9mm using a Lee hand press. All bullets have been store bought, both lead and jacketed.
As a kid I cast sinkers with my father, I haven't cast any bullets yet but have smelted some ingots from window camming and pure lead. My first casting will be for 9mm with a known, purchased alloy just to make things easier.
My long term goal is to cast and reload for my .35 Rem Contender barrel that I've had for years. I want to use it for hunting.
I haven't shot this barrel for years after experiencing some misfires. When I did shoot it, I was shooting at a quail silhouette at 100ydsand hit it regularly. I've never fired it for groups. I've got around 100 unfired factory loads, 20+ misfires and thankfully saved 500 empty cases.
Last year I replaced all the springs and center fire firing pin in my frame. .223 shoots fine. I cast the 35 chamber and the rifling is concentric to the chamber. I have not yet slugged the barrel, but that is next on my list.
Following the advise on Mike Bellm's website and using a dial indicator I've found the following;
- the barrel to frame gap is 0.002"
- most of the once fired cases are recessed -0.004 - 0.006" below barrel face
- all factory miss fires recessed some with primers as low as -0.011" below barrel face
So, based on Mr. Bellm's information I'm going to need to bump the shoulders back up on the cases before reloading.
I have three questions for now.
- What options are there for bumping the shoulder besides fire forming or water forming?
- What bullets/loads have others used for hunting deer with Contenders in this caliber?
- Which molds have you used to cast for this?
Thanks,
ed