I've been reading for a pretty long time now and am ready to jump into the Cast Boolit game.
I'm new to lever actions, just got my first, and am looking forward to competing in some of the SASS Cowboy Action shoots at my club. (CJRP)
I'll be shooting both the Henry Big Boy and Ruger Vaquero.
I'd like to simplify my life with one round that will work well in both guns, preferably +P
Not sure if it exists but it would be nice
I will be loading with Unique
Other than blackpowder balls, Maxiballs, and fishing sinkers and jigs (which I've been pouring and powdercoating for 40ish years) this is my first foray into casting and my first foray into alloys. I have been reloading for 30 years but buying my bullets.
I'll need a good alloy. I have a few hundred lbs of linotype and the same in pure lead, but only a very small amount of tin, maybe 10 lbs (can always buy more if need be)
I will be powdercoating, although I do have an RCBS Lube-A-Matic if that's a better way to go.
These are the molds I have:
Lee 358-140-SWC
Lyman 358-495-DC
Lee TL358-158-2R
Lyman 358156
I'm leaning towards starting with the Lyman 358156, 155 Grain Semi-Wadcutter w Gas Check as I have 1500 Hornady copper gas checks I picked up somewhere and would like to use them
With +P loads and gas checks I won't have to worry about channeling, correct? I had that happen not too long ago, shooting a purchased name brand cast bullet, causing a squib. Fortunately just jammed the cylinder, didn't get all the way into the barrel - scared the poo out of me none the less.
Is the 358156 the right choice and is semi-wadcutter a good shape for a lever action ?
What percentage alloy should I start with?
Love this site, and have learned a ton already
(and yes I have downloaded and read the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook)