This is something I have always wanted to do, so it is a learning experience to be able to load my own 22rf. I picked up a few primed cases and going to try and load a couple hundred for testing. I read as many posts on here as I could find before starting down this road. I enjoy the casting and loading so please don't tell me I am crazy or ask me why I am doing this
After a few emails with John Boy, I picked up a 40gr mold from South West. Mold is a great, and casts like a dream.They are perfect size right out of the mold, 210 heel and 224 just like I wanted. I am using range scrap lead and just a small amount of Linotype in a 20lb Lee pot. I have no way to measure hardness, but the bullets are averaging 38.5 grains and seem to be too hard for 22rf. I am going to load them with Swiss Null B like a few on here do, but I am little concerned about the hardness. I may try smokeless as well, but right now interested in black powder for backyard target practice with single action revolver to start with and later try 50 and 100 yards with Henry Frontier and a Savage bolt action for informal target shooting.
If I was guessing, I would say they are in 12-14 hardness range as you sure cant scratch them with your finger nail like normal 22rf. Should I throw them back in the pot, and try to get some pure lead for casting 22rf or just load and shoot? Thanks for the help guys.