Naive Cast Bullet Question?

[Capybara]

I have now purchased some new cast bullets so I am familiar with the difference between cast and plated bullets. So far, my limited reloading knowledge is centered around 9mm and .45 ACP calibers.

Do cast bullets for military rifle rounds like .30-06, 7.55 Swiss and 7.62x54r exist? All I have seen for cast rifle bullets are either short stubby rifle rounds that are the same basic shape as a pistol bullet or some smaller, round-nosed rifle bullets like .30-30. Is there such a thing as a cast spitzer or boat tailed style cast bullet? Or will I have to buy plated bullets to reload 7.62x39, 7.62x54r or 7.55 Swiss?

[BigBronco]

I would to have to say firmly that I doubt there is a boat tail style cast bullet. Most high velocity cast bullets would be gas checked. The boat tail design would most likely tend to lend it's self to gas cutting and barrel leading.

[Capybara]

Okay, so those high priced plated bullets are it, can't save money like I can with my pistol bullets. Got it.

Thanks.

[Whiterabbit]

you BET there are cast bullets available for all those calibers. The 30 cals you are describing sound like 30 carbine bullets to me.

Check www.mattsbullets.com. There will likely be many more retailers available to you as well.

The best cast bullets for rifle TEND to be flat nose and flat base designs. Boat tails are not needed, and spite points can slump during firing, reducing accuracy.

Do not underestimate the capability of cast vs jacketed based on bullet features! You might be surprised.

[bruce381]

to learn more than you ever want to about cast boolits go the
cast boolits site

[Fishslayer]

to learn more than you ever want to about cast boolits go the
cast boolits site

https://www.castboolits.com

[Capybara]

Thanks for the links!

[Whiterabbit]

FYI I load cast in EVERY gun I own. Every last one. Except for 338 magnum. Bolt rifles, revolver, break actions, whatever. If I owned glocks I'd shoot cast in them too. AR-15's, id shoot cast. desert eagle, id shoot cast.

[koehn,jim]

There are many pointed bullets availabe in 30-06. Lyman makes the 311365, 311299, 311413, among others. There are also many other makers of molds, you do not have to settle for flat nose or roundnose. With a good bore to bullet fit and a good lube with gas chech you can get great accuracy. Checking cast boolits is a great idea.

[bruce381]

www.castboolits.com

knew I forgot to post something. Thanks

[GeoffLinder]

FYI I load cast in EVERY gun I own. Every last one. Except for 338 magnum. Bolt rifles, revolver, break actions, whatever. If I owned glocks I'd shoot cast in them too. AR-15's, id shoot cast. desert eagle, id shoot cast.

I would advise against cast bullets in gas operated firearms that have gas ports tapped into the barrels like the AR-15 and the Desert Eagles. IMI specifically warns against shooting anything but jacketed in the Desert Eagles for the reason that lead vapor will get into gas system and over time will cause a buildup that will eventually render the gas system inoperative. Same goes for AR's.

YMMV, but I highly recommend against this for these firearms.

http://www.go2gbo.com/forums/index.php?topic=193689.0

http://www.shootersforum.com/handgun-cartridges/29693-hard-cast-bullets-desert-eagle.html

[Capybara]

Would that include the SKS? I don't have an AK, but I would think that the SKS gas system is similar?

[CEDaytonaRydr]

Would that include the SKS? I don't have an AK, but I would think that the SKS gas system is similar?

They don't care at all. Cast away, and blast away. It's a gas-piston system.

The reason why the D.E.s and ARs don't like cast bullets is because of the DI gas system (which are very similar on those two weapons, believe it or not). The lead can get stuck in the gas system and cause serious problems. It's also true with MAS 49/56s, and MAS 49s (had to tell a guy at the range about that once).

[gunboat]

My 30 carbine has been digesting cast loads for eons --
Where does the lead vapor come from?
Would not jacketed bullets with exposed lead base pose the same problem?
Why would a port shave lead and not copper?