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  1. #1
    Legacy Member Jonzie's Avatar
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    Shooting Cast Bullets

    With the prices of powder and availability I have been thinking about casting some of my
    own rifle bullets and using some of the Red Dot that I have plenty of.
    I want to try the Lee C-309-150-F and C-309-170 molds, in Lymans Casting Manual
    3rd Edition it list Red Dot starting at 11.0 Grains , anyone have any experience with this
    load or any advice they can share . Thanks for any help
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    Warning: This is a relatively older thread
    This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

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    Advisory Panel Parashooter's Avatar
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    Take a look at Ed Harris's classic article on using Red Dot in rifles - The Load . . . Is 13 grains of Red Dot

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    Legacy Member Jonzie's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by browningautorifleicon View Post
    my steel block Lyman and RCBS moulds get a regular workout.
    I have some Lyman moulds there nice , I was looking at the Lee moulds because of there price thought I would give them a try.
    Thanks for the info.

    ---------- Post added at 09:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:04 PM ----------

    Quote Originally Posted by Parashooter View Post
    Take a look at Ed Harris's classic article on using Red Dot in rifles - The Load . . . Is 13 grains of Red Dot
    I downloaded a copy looks like some good info. Thanks for the info.

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    Legacy Member Jonzie's Avatar
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    I have been doing some reading on them and it seems there is more involved in there use than the Lyman I have used with no issues .
    Being the availability of them right now I may just save for the Lyman. With summer in Az. my garage gets 110-120 so I have plenty of time.
    I will do a follow up down the road, Thanks again for the help.

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    Legacy Member Wineman's Avatar
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    For 100 yard matches I exclusively use cast in my M1903A3. Believe it or not my favorite bullet is the LEE 312-160TL (tumble lube). I size at 0.312" and add a gas check. My go to load is 16 grains of Alliant 2400, but 13 gr of Red Dot (in my case Promo) works too. I have also used 311299, 311284, MX30-196 and Saeco 315. My two keys are a shorter front sight, so I have more room to play on the rear sight, and finding the bullet that "fits" best. Too small a diameter is an exercise in frustration. A short cut is to measure (with a pin gauge if possible) the inside of a fired case neck. Use that diameter as your starting point. Most things sized spring back, case necks, bullets etc. Take that into account when sizing. I shoot for a 0.310" neck ID and the bullet at 0.312". That usually gives me 0.002 to 0.003" of neck "tension". I seat to fit the magazine but as long as possible. With the LEE too deep is never a problem. My go to lube is White Label 45:45:10 Alox, wax, mineral spirits tumble lube no matter which bullet I use, just two thin coats. The other thing to be careful of is that now you have a much slower bullet, so any barrel movement is exaggerated on the target.

    Have fun!

    Dave

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    Legacy Member Jonzie's Avatar
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    Thanks for the help Dave, I have never tried sizing the correct bullet to cast I always went with known info. Your knowledge will be very helpful .

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    Don't be a Snob... Learn to use the Lee Mold... may even try reading the Instructions.. I have been using them for Over 30 Years.. and Prefer them!!!
    But... They are Not Iron...
    BTW... My K98icon is an RC so... I do Not know all there is to Know!!!!

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  13. #8
    Legacy Member Jonzie's Avatar
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    I will take your advice Racepres besides reading the instructions any tips you can give me

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    If I did not mention it, hardness can also be an issue. When shooting in the low to mid teens, you probably want something with a BHN of 12-18. Firm but not hard. Lyman #2 is on the high side, clip on wheel weights (the old kind) or 1:10 tin:lead are on the low side. If you have a hard alloy, you need to give them more of a push. Softer alloys can shoot all day once the barrel is "conditioned". Have fun.

    Dave

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    Legacy Member Jonzie's Avatar
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    Dave I have a good amount of wheel weights I was thinking of going with them and try dropping in a bucket of cool water from the mold.
    Thanks for your help Richard

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