First Time Casting Issues

[lwslaw]

I think I need a little guidance. I have been reloading for many years. But I am new to casting my own. I just casted my first “wheel weight” lead based bullets. I casted about 500 200 grain .44s and 800 230 grain .45s. The problem is that my bullets weight about 15 grains more then the Lee mold is suppose to make. So my first question is… did I do something wrong or is this normal? The second question is, how will this effect my reloading them powder wise? There is no load data for my weight bullets. At this point I think I need to use low starting loads that will work for load data I have for weights both above and below the actual bullet weight. I am looking to use Unique and load .44 Russian, .44 Special and .45ACP. I think 4.5 Gr of Unique will work in the .44 Russian and 6.5 gr in the .44 Special but I’m just guessing here and I normally prefer not to guess. I have not looked into the .45ACP yet. Anyway, since I am new at this, I thought I would run this all by folks with a little more experience.

[SixPointEight]

Different mixtures of lead, tin and antimony are going to have different densities. Sounds like you used a higher lead content, and therefor softer alloy than what they used for determining bullet weight. That's the why. As for loading differently, I'll let someone else answer that.

[gunboat]

A STARTING load for a 200 gr bullet should still be acceptable for a 215 gr.

[lwslaw]

So...how do I

So how do I mix my casting metals to get to 200 grains? Trial and error seems a bit time consuming. Or how do I figure out the mix "they" used when they created the 200 grain molds?

[sequoia_nomad]

Here is the holy grail:

http://www.castboolits.gunloads.com/

Almost anything you could wish to know about casting bullets can be found here.

[bumpo628]

I believe many mold manufacturers use linotype as a standard, even though it might be unacceptable to actually use in that application. Lino is 4% tin and 12% antimony so it is lighter than your typical 0.5% tin and 3% antimony wheel weight lead. Contact the manufacturer if you want to know for sure what they used to calibrate the molds.

I would just use the bullets as-is. Adjust your charge accordingly and don't worry about it. Wheel weight lead is relatively cheap and plentiful compared to adding tin and antimony to the alloy just to lighten it up.

[TKM]

Our "friends" in .gov have banned lead wws in Cali.

Grab all you can while you can. Pick them up by the side of the road if you see any.

Lead loads are designed for lower pressure than jacketed rounds. A little difference in weight probably won't cripple you for life. If the lead is too soft, you will lead your barrel more readily. The good news is that it's soft, easier to remove. Just don't go Magnum with lead unless you know you have some good hardcast.

Figuring out lead hardness will set you back a hundred or so bucks. It's a pita, play safe. Good luck.