Reloading cast lead bullets........

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Hole Shooter

Single-Sixer
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Jan 6, 2007
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234
Location
Mississippi
Questions on reloading cast lead bullets……….

I have loaded jacketed bullets into straight wall pistol cases (38 Special, 357 Magnum, and 44 magnum) for several years. I have always used jacketed bullets only and recently I have learned how severely I have limited myself by not loading cast bullets. I am especially interested in loading cast bullets for the 44 magnum caliber for both a Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter revolver (7.5 inch barrel) and a Marlin model 1894 rifle (20 inch barrel) to hunt wild hogs in the South. If I may, I would like to ask you a few questions about cast bullets:


1. Which cast bullets would you recommend for hog hunting?

2. Is there a certain "shelf life" on cast lead bullets as they remain unloaded and in the original box?

3. Is there a certain "shelf life" on cast lead bullets once they are loaded into cartridges?

4. Does the bullet lube or bullet itself dry out or deteriorate with age?


Any information you can provide is greatly appreciated! Thank you for your time and help!
 
Hole Shooter":375jjl7z said:
Questions on reloading cast lead bullets……….

I have loaded jacketed bullets into straight wall pistol cases (38 Special, 357 Magnum, and 44 magnum) for several years. I have always used jacketed bullets only and recently I have learned how severely I have limited myself by not loading cast bullets. I am especially interested in loading cast bullets for the 44 magnum caliber for both a Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter revolver (7.5 inch barrel) and a Marlin model 1894 rifle (20 inch barrel) to hunt wild hogs in the South. If I may, I would like to ask you a few questions about cast bullets:


1. Which cast bullets would you recommend for hog hunting?

My experience is that if you ask 50 people this question you'll get at least 51 different answers.

For 44 magnum I really prefer 240 grain up to no more than 300 grain bullets( and I prefer the 240s).

My favorite "commercial" cast bullet is Oregon Trail.
2. Is there a certain "shelf life" on cast lead bullets as they remain unloaded and in the original box?

3. Is there a certain "shelf life" on cast lead bullets once they are loaded into cartridges?

I've been reloading ammo for 51 years and my observation on both counts is "No, provided the components are properly stored in a stable environment away form a heat source or being in the direct sun"

4. Does the bullet lube or bullet itself dry out or deteriorate with age?

Some "home-brewed" lubes can dry out, but overall I consider this a non issue.

Load 'em up according to whats recommended in your reloading books and go have a good time, Pard :wink:
 
lasc.us...Glenn Fryxell's article on 1894 Marlins (and some of the others too!)
castboolits.gunloads.com
marlinowners.com

Conventional wisdom on Marlins is oversized (.431/.432,) gas checks, hard alloy, high velocity. John Taffin did an article recently in AMERICAN HANDGUNNER...available at their web site and additional info on their web blast.

UNCLE ED'S LAWS: If you gotta load to maximum, you need a bigger gun. If it won't shoot cast, forget it.
 
Hole Shooter":d6z736wf said:
2. Is there a certain "shelf life" on cast lead bullets as they remain unloaded and in the original box?

3. Is there a certain "shelf life" on cast lead bullets once they are loaded into cartridges?

4. Does the bullet lube or bullet itself dry out or deteriorate with age?

Hi,

I wouldn't call it a "shelf life" but there has been some discussion over the years of the ever so slight change in cast bullets' hardness from the time they come out of the mold over the next couple of years or so. I believe some of this information's available in the Lyman "Cast Bullet Handbook."

From what I've read, and experienced myself, that appears to be more of an academic concern than a practical one.

On lubes: some commercial lubes are very hard and don't always do the best job if not driven hard enough. Some might think they're "dried out" but I can't say if any actually DO dry out--never kept any of 'em that long. ;)

I do know that when I've encountered commercial bullets that don't seem to be lubed to meet my requirements, coating the bullets w/ Lee Liquid Alox (over the commercial lube) has helped. Sometimes a LOT.

Rick C
 
Mr. Hole Shooter, I have bought, cast and shot cast lead bullets for over 35 years and I have never had a problem with a "Shelf Life" on loaded rounds. I have shot PPC, CAS and ICORE and each required a different type load. I shot PPC in the mid 70s to the early 80s with HBWC bullets in front of about 2.8 grains of bullseye. CAS from 2003 until now with 3.4 Grains of Win 231 and ICORE with 4.4 grains of Win 231. I have never lubed a case as all I shoot are straight wall pistol calibers.

About six months ago I opened a wooden box in the garage and found some of my old PPC ammo and took it to the range and shot it. That ammo had to have been at least 30 years old.

Cast bullets can be a part or a new and interesting almost second hobby when combined with your shooting interest. It can open a new door to the never ending search for cheap lead, the making of ingots and the search for the best bullet/powder combination for your particular gun.

Welcome to the world of cast bullets and be sure and check out Cast Boolets web site for very extensive information on the cast bullet questions.
 
Thanks to all for the most valuable information you shared with me. I have once again (as always) gained a wealth of information from your experiences and knowledge. I hope that I can return the favor to you someday! I forgot to mention that for now at least I will start with commercial cast bullets (probably Cast Performance or Oregon Trail) as opposed to casting my own. However, it sounds like casting my own opens up a whole new world in reloading. Thanks again to each of you!!!

I hope all of you had a blessed Merry Christmas and I wish all of you a healthy happy new year!!!
HS
 
One more comment on cast. Diversity.

I cast the three differing bullet weight that I load in 44 mag. 200 gr, 248, and 318. Before anyone asks where I got molds in that weight the mfg say 200, 245, and 310.

I can and do load mostly the 200, ahead of 6 grs of unique. I have seen load range from 5 grs unique to 15 grs 2400. In the 248's 8 grs unique to (a long time ago) 24 grs of 2400. and for the 318's 10 gr unique to 21.5 of 296. Let me say this for the 318/296 load. I wimp out and do not shoot them in my 4 5/8 barrels because of the recoil. but they are dinomite in my two carbines.

Now some folks will say that this is in 44mag. but the diversity of loads availablle for any wheel gun make cast bullets a natural fodder.

To get a better idea of what is available for cast, go onto the computer and check out the number of different bullets and bullet molds available in you caliber.
 
I used to be of the "jacketed only" school oh so many years ago except for "just plinking." Then,, as youngsters grow up,, and we get wiser,, I learned the error of my ways, and learned not only that commercial cast bullets offered me a great experience,,,, at a lower cost,, when I got into casting about 15-20 years ago,, it got even better. Yet,, I'm still learning NEW things about casting & find it all exciting & worth the efforts!
 

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