cast boolits, hard to hand load?

troy_mclure · March 1, 2009, 10:37 PM

how difficult is it to load cast boolits, compared to jacketed bullets.

is a special die recommended?

any special considerations different than jacketed?

mikld · March 1, 2009, 10:44 PM

I am loading almost all cast lead bullets (.223 is the one I don't). The only "special" operation is to slightly flare the mouth of the case to prevent shaving lead when bullet seating. Different powder charges of course as with different jacketed bullets but that's all I can think of.

NuJudge · March 2, 2009, 05:44 AM

It is a dual diameter expander, the upper portion being slightly above bullet diameter, the lower portion being about .002" under bullet diameter. My experience is Jacketed bullet expanders leave case neck ID about .004" under bullet diameter. Cast bullets are more fragile than Jacketed, and they can't tollerate being held as hard.

I sometimes have trouble seating Cast rifle bullets with conventional Seaters. The Cast bullets I am seating are .001" or .002" over groove diameter, and that is sometimes well over the diameter of the usual Jacketed bullet. I just borrow a Seater from some other caliber.

tom234 · March 2, 2009, 05:43 PM

Only suggestion is to find/use lead bullets that have a slight base chamfer. It makes it easier to seat them. Been so long that I've loaded jacketed bullets I can remember any other differences. Lead bullets are really the only economical way to go if you shoot much.

billcarey · March 2, 2009, 06:43 PM

Cast bullets are no problem...don't even think about worrying.

ForneyRider · March 2, 2009, 08:25 PM

As already stated, you use more flare with the lead bullets.

Loads are slightly different as the lead seals better than jacketed. Lee book has lots of cast bullet loads.

Bullet feeder for Lee presses recommendation is to use jacketed bullets.

IllinoisCoyoteHunter · March 2, 2009, 08:48 PM

+1 on bevel-based boolits. They help when seating.

ballardw · March 2, 2009, 09:05 PM

If you're using a spitzer cast bullet you really want the seat punch to fit so the nose doesn't get mangled.

Watch the lube used as well. Some are soft enough that you can get it all over on a warm day.

Jimlakeside · March 5, 2009, 02:04 PM

Cast bullets have to be lubricated. Sometimes the lube can build up in your seating die. This in turn will push your bullet further into the case and can even cause a slight case bulge which then causes a feeding problem (don't ask how I know!). The solution is simple, check your seating die frequently for lube build-up and clean as necessary.

Don P · March 5, 2009, 02:53 PM

WHATS A BOOLITS?

putteral · March 5, 2009, 05:09 PM

It's the kind you cast yourself

March 1, 2009, 10:37 PM	#1
troy_mclure Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Location: gulf of mexico Posts: 2,716	cast boolits, hard to hand load? how difficult is it to load cast boolits, compared to jacketed bullets. is a special die recommended? any special considerations different than jacketed? __________________ There is only one tactical principle which is not subject to change. It is to use the means at hand to inflict the maximum amount of wound, death, and destruction on the enemy in the minimum amount of time."

March 1, 2009, 10:44 PM	#2
mikld Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2009 Location: Southern Oregon! Posts: 2,891	I am loading almost all cast lead bullets (.223 is the one I don't). The only "special" operation is to slightly flare the mouth of the case to prevent shaving lead when bullet seating. Different powder charges of course as with different jacketed bullets but that's all I can think of. __________________ My Anchor is holding fast! I've learned how to stand on my own two knees...

March 2, 2009, 05:44 AM	#3
NuJudge Member Join Date: October 17, 2005 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 86	I like to flare rifle case mouths with an M die It is a dual diameter expander, the upper portion being slightly above bullet diameter, the lower portion being about .002" under bullet diameter. My experience is Jacketed bullet expanders leave case neck ID about .004" under bullet diameter. Cast bullets are more fragile than Jacketed, and they can't tollerate being held as hard. I sometimes have trouble seating Cast rifle bullets with conventional Seaters. The Cast bullets I am seating are .001" or .002" over groove diameter, and that is sometimes well over the diameter of the usual Jacketed bullet. I just borrow a Seater from some other caliber.

March 2, 2009, 08:25 PM	#6
ForneyRider Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 2007 Location: Forney, TX Posts: 725	As already stated, you use more flare with the lead bullets. Loads are slightly different as the lead seals better than jacketed. Lee book has lots of cast bullet loads. Bullet feeder for Lee presses recommendation is to use jacketed bullets. __________________ When all is said and done, there is a lot more said than done.

March 2, 2009, 08:48 PM	#7
IllinoisCoyoteHunter Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2008 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 1,527	+1 on bevel-based boolits. They help when seating. __________________ ~~IllinoisCoyoteHunter~~ ~NRA LIFE MEMBER~ ~NRA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR~

March 2, 2009, 05:43 PM	#4
tom234 Senior Member Join Date: February 14, 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 753	Only suggestion is to find/use lead bullets that have a slight base chamfer. It makes it easier to seat them. Been so long that I've loaded jacketed bullets I can remember any other differences. Lead bullets are really the only economical way to go if you shoot much.

March 2, 2009, 06:43 PM	#5
billcarey Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 273	Cast bullets are no problem...don't even think about worrying.

March 2, 2009, 09:05 PM	#8
ballardw Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Posts: 1,411	If you're using a spitzer cast bullet you really want the seat punch to fit so the nose doesn't get mangled. Watch the lube used as well. Some are soft enough that you can get it all over on a warm day.

March 5, 2009, 02:04 PM	#9
Jimlakeside Member Join Date: May 13, 2008 Location: Pottsboro, Texas Posts: 33	Cast bullets have to be lubricated. Sometimes the lube can build up in your seating die. This in turn will push your bullet further into the case and can even cause a slight case bulge which then causes a feeding problem (don't ask how I know!). The solution is simple, check your seating die frequently for lube build-up and clean as necessary.

March 5, 2009, 02:53 PM	#10
Don P Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2005 Location: Swamp dweller Posts: 6,187	Question WHATS A BOOLITS? __________________ *NRA Life Member, NRA Chief Range Safety Officer, NRA Certified Pistol Instructor,, USPSA & Steel Challange NROI Range Officer, ICORE Range Officer, ,MAG 40 Graduate* *As you are, I once was, As I am, You will be.*

March 5, 2009, 05:09 PM	#11
putteral Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2008 Location: Homosassa,Florida Posts: 206	It's the kind you cast yourself