PDA

View Full Version : [Where can I find ?] Casting boolits for dummys?


rjrivero
01-11-2011, 07:56 AM
I've been exploring this section of the forum. My dilemma is this:

I'm in knee deep in a 300 AAC BLACKOUT project. I've got dies, I've formed some 200 pieces of brass. I've been researching loads. However, the cost for reloading subsonic rounds is pretty steep. The 220gr Sierra OTM are like $.35 each.

I was referred to castboolits.com where they have a group buy going on for a mould specific for the 300 BLK. It's a 247gr flat tip that is designed so the lube grooves are within the case neck, and the ogive is the right size to index on the "ribs" in the AR magazine that originally index on the .223 case neck to keep the rounds strait in the double feed magazine.

The only drawback is that I will need a specialty suppressor for shooting cast boolits suppressed. (How many suppressors is too many, anyway? ;))

So the big picture scheme of things: Cast boolits, short barrel upper, and suppressor that is end user serviceable.

The only "hurdle" in this is the casting. I will probably ONLY shoot these bullets at 1050 FPS. So, I need to know a couple things about casting. I need to know what alloy to use to get started. Wheel weights aren't readily accessable. They need to be recycled to a LICENSED recycler, per the folks who work at the local tire places. (bummer)

I can buy ingots online, so the price is still better per boolit than the Match Grade Sierras.

What alloy would be best for this application? What lube would be best for this application?

Should I get the mould for these boolits plain base or with a gas check? Will a gas check even HELP at these low pressures and velocities? Some folks suggest gas checks at this low pressure could cause increased leading, since the pressure isn't enough to deform and expand the hard copper of the gas check.


If you have a resource for me, maybe a print form book, I would appreciate it greatly.

If you have any thoughts on my particular situation, I would appreciate that perhaps even more!

Thanks in advance.

RJ

fredj338
01-11-2011, 11:58 AM
The Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook is a good starter. For your application, you could shoot a bullet of 12BHN w/o any leading issues, no GC needed. That is about air cooled ww alloy or a lead/tin mix 20-1. At that low vel/pressure, that should be fine, but I have no exp w/ that cartridge. Pressures matter. but bullet fit is king, so 0.001" larger than groove dia.
Good lubes can be had from WhiteLabel lubes. They offer affrordable lubes in a wide application range; pan lubing, tumble lubing, luber/sizer w/ or w/o heaters.

zdogk9
01-11-2011, 11:59 AM
The Lyman manuals. Good place to start, and as Slick said in another thread Modern Reloading by Richard Lee. At your projected top speed of 1050. Leading is a function of sizing, velocity, and lube and aloy composition. I'd start at or .001 over grove dia. lube with Lar's carnuba red. and pretty much any alloy I had on hand. you'd be pushing it with pure. I'd go plain base. Using a suppressor; Boolet composition is not the issue, smoke from the lubricant is. with this in mind I'd stay away from LLA since it smokes like a hippie in Amsterdam and smells worse.

cohutt
01-11-2011, 04:52 PM
+1 to the lyman cast bullet manual

Blackdog
01-11-2011, 06:28 PM
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=796528

http://www.glockpost.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=143&pictureid=1233

cohutt
01-12-2011, 04:47 AM
Dat be da ho.....


I referenced it last night looking for 250g 44 loads.

slam45
01-13-2011, 08:56 AM
I've been exploring this section of the forum. My dilemma is this:

I'm in knee deep in a 300 AAC BLACKOUT project. I've got dies, I've formed some 200 pieces of brass. I've been researching loads. However, the cost for reloading subsonic rounds is pretty steep. The 220gr Sierra OTM are like $.35 each.

I was referred to castboolits.com where they have a group buy going on for a mould specific for the 300 BLK. It's a 247gr flat tip that is designed so the lube grooves are within the case neck, and the ogive is the right size to index on the "ribs" in the AR magazine that originally index on the .223 case neck to keep the rounds strait in the double feed magazine.

The only drawback is that I will need a specialty suppressor for shooting cast boolits suppressed. (How many suppressors is too many, anyway? ;))

So the big picture scheme of things: Cast boolits, short barrel upper, and suppressor that is end user serviceable.

The only "hurdle" in this is the casting. I will probably ONLY shoot these bullets at 1050 FPS. So, I need to know a couple things about casting. I need to know what alloy to use to get started. Wheel weights aren't readily accessable. They need to be recycled to a LICENSED recycler, per the folks who work at the local tire places. (bummer)

I can buy ingots online, so the price is still better per boolit than the Match Grade Sierras.

What alloy would be best for this application? What lube would be best for this application?

Should I get the mould for these boolits plain base or with a gas check? Will a gas check even HELP at these low pressures and velocities? Some folks suggest gas checks at this low pressure could cause increased leading, since the pressure isn't enough to deform and expand the hard copper of the gas check.


If you have a resource for me, maybe a print form book, I would appreciate it greatly.

If you have any thoughts on my particular situation, I would appreciate that perhaps even more!

Thanks in advance.

RJ


RJ:

takje a look at this site: http://www.lasc.us/CastBulletNotes.htm
they have a vast ammount of info and links to folks that can help!!

Salm

Blackdog
01-13-2011, 05:06 PM
RJ:

takje a look at this site: http://www.lasc.us/CastBulletNotes.htm
they have a vast ammount of info and links to folks that can help!!

Salm

That IS a great site. Those silly wet shooters are an interesting bunch.

rjrivero
01-15-2011, 12:21 PM
Thanks one and all. I'm filling my head with the knowledge you've directed me to and will be back I'm sure, with many more questions to follow.