Just bought a 453-198 SWC, NOE copy of H&G 68. Typical of NOE, quality is superb, sprue cuts easily, bullets almost jump out when the mold is opened. Problem is bullets are dropping about 217 grains using range lead. My old Lee 6 cavity was only about 2 grains heavier than advertised when using range lead. Noticed the base band on the NOE mold is quite thick, was wondering if I should send it back and have the mold milled down to reduce the base band height (and weight) or if this much variation is normal. No idea as to the composition of my alloy, bullets recovered are mostly jacketed, maybe 25% are alloy (mine or commercial hard cast). Could alloy a bit if needed but prefer to use the readily available, and free, range lead.