I've been reloading since '59 & began casting shortly thereafter. 99.5% has been with handgun calibers. The exception being .38-40 for a '73 (cast) & the Lee 457-405F for my #3 in .45-70. The .38-40 doesn't count as rifle reloading since it's just a handgun caliber shot in a rifle. The .45-70 is more like a very big handgun caliber.
I'm taking the dive to reload cast boolits in my Garands & 03-A3s. I've gleaned through all info I could find here, but still have questions.
I have a Lachmiller 311 170 RN mold that I bought in '77 & a .309 sizing die for My Lyman #45. I figure seating gas checks would be easier than using my Star. I plan to start with this mold & size at least .001 over whatever I come up with after I slug the bore.
Questions:
1. I see where many are sizing .311 with good results. If so, why slug the bore?
2. I've been using BAC lube from LsStuff with the handgun boolits in the star. I'll need to go to hollow lube for the #45: would carnaba (spelling?) red be better?
3. Some suggest dacron (spelling?) filler for reduced loads using handgun powders. Is there a rule of thumb as to how much to use?
4. I see the 311299 gets high praise. Has anyone used the Accurate #31-200L (a version of that boolit)? The Accurate site states 53 have been sold (it must have something going for it).
Any help is appreciated.
Henry