Tips for reloading lead cast bullets

[tools2teach]

I been contemplating reloading lead cast bullets for cost savings. As far as sizing, belling and bullet seating, is it any different in reloading with lead cast then copper?

I noticed on the lead bullets that there is a a slight belling on the lower half of the lead cast and I really don't understand why that is. I don't see the logic in that as it could cause a bulge in crimping the bullet.

Any tips you could give me or am i forgetting something in the reloading process of lead?

[Cowboy T]

Do you mean bullets that you're casting yourself, or are these store-bought? Also, can you post a pic of what you're seeing on the lower half of the bullet? I'm not sure what you mean by that.

[tools2teach]

I am not casting myself. The specs says .452 in diameter for 45acp. How is it when seating the bullet that the diameter of the bullet is significantly bigger than the casing. Even if I was to widen the bell of my case, wouldn't it create a bulge?

[pdq_wizzard]

I am not casting myself. The specs says .452 in diameter for 45acp. How is it when seating the bullet that the diameter of the bullet is significantly bigger than the casing. Even if I was to widen the bell of my case, wouldn't it create a bulge?

it is normal to run .001 over jacketed (helps keep leading down) as for a bulge yes you might see a bulge, and with 45's it seems to show up more (my thought on that is there is more brass to see).

you have two choices one pull you barrel and fit check or get a case gage.

[Cowboy T]

This is why you flare your case. I reload with, and shoot, my own cast "boolits" exclusively. You will also see it prominently with 9mm Para, but that slight "bulge" can also show up even with .38 Special, though it's a bit less.

What really matters here is that your finished rounds chamber in your gun. If they do, then don't worry about the bulge.

[ejor]

cast Lead works well in handguns. Sometimes the dies don't flare the case enough for lead .You don't want to shave lead off the bullet when seating .Lyman makes a die specificly to help with this problem. I only needed one for one caliber (40) in my case, also running the finished rounds through a factory crimp die will make sure they will all chamber( highly recommended for autoloaders) .

[chim-chim7]

The bulge is normal. Your sizing die is sizing on the low, so when you seat the bullet it expands as a bulge. It's just a visual issue, wont cause any harm to the brass. Try this, take a once fired case, measure the ID. Size that same case and remeasure the ID. If it is lower than .450 than there is your answer. Remember the OD is pretty consistent, but the ID can vary as much as .005 or more case to case. Thicker case wall means more bulge when you seat your bullet.

[anyracoon]

Back to tips! Be sure to wash your hands with soap & water or use latex gloves to avoid lead poisoning. Also good idea to have lead level checked when you have a yearly physical.

[Fishslayer]

Keep your case flare/expansion/belling to the minimum necessary. The bullet should just stand up on the mouth. Excessive flare will shorten case life.

If you have shaving & your flare is good, try backing off the seating die just a scosh. The seating die also squeezes down the case mouth. If this happens too soon with cast boolits you'll get shaving.

+1 on gloves. I use the blue nitrile from Walmart. Also help get a grip on slick brass & bullets.

Don't forget your eye protection.

[Chief-7700]

Don't forget to clean the build up of lube out of your crimp die.

[Fishslayer]

Don't forget to clean the build up of lube out of your crimp die.

Oh crap! Thanks for that.

BRB...

[tools2teach]

Thanks for the tips...I'm not getting the tolerance. I used a 308 case gauge as a measure stick. The first pic is my 45 using coper, second pic is the case not flared with lead bullet shaved off and the third pic is the case slightly flared . What am i doing wrong??? As long as it fits in the barrel without sticking is it ok?

[Chief-7700]

Get a .45ACP case gauge or take the barrel out of you gun and use it as a gauge.Your not belling the case mouth enough and it looks like your tapered crimp die is way out adjustment.