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Southron · May 10, 2011, 10:23 PM

Dear MikeKPP:

When Minie Balls come out of the mould, their sizes can vary somewhat depending on how hot the mould was, how fast the molten metal was poured in the mould, rate of cooling, etc.

Best accuracy is obtained by running your Minie Balls thru a sizer. That way, you know that they are all of the EXACT SAME DIAMETER.

Ideally, and for best accuracy you want a Minie Ball that is 1 to 2 Thousands of an Inch UNDER your Enfield's bore diameter.

I have one of those simple "C" Frame reloading presses and made my Minie Ball sizer on a lathe. All I had to do was to machine out the ram and then the actual sizer that I screw down in the top of the press.

After I size my Minie Balls, I weigh them on an electronic scale. Of course, I automatically reject the Minie's that have casting flaws like wrinkles, etc. But by weighing the ones that LOOK GOOD, I always find a small percentage of those that are dramatically UNDERWEIGHT. What that tells me is that those Minies have an "air bubble" somewhere in them. They get thrown back into the casting pot.

Also, get some AAMPCO NIPPLES from Dixie Gun Works for your Enfield. They are made out of Beryllium and are 1000% BETTER than the steel nipple that comes on your gun. Just make sure you get nipples with the correct thread for your gun.

Consider casting your own bullets. All you need is a Lee lead pot and a mould. If you do so, be sure to use pure (soft) lead as that is what works for making Minie Balls.

By casting your own Minie Balls you are in control of the quality and also save money. You will get a great feeling of accomplishment!

GOOD LUCK!

May 10, 2011, 10:23 PM	#10
Southron Member Join Date: November 28, 2009 Posts: 40	Sizing Is The Key! Dear MikeKPP: When Minie Balls come out of the mould, their sizes can vary somewhat depending on how hot the mould was, how fast the molten metal was poured in the mould, rate of cooling, etc. Best accuracy is obtained by running your Minie Balls thru a sizer. That way, you know that they are all of the EXACT SAME DIAMETER. Ideally, and for best accuracy you want a Minie Ball that is 1 to 2 Thousands of an Inch UNDER your Enfield's bore diameter. I have one of those simple "C" Frame reloading presses and made my Minie Ball sizer on a lathe. All I had to do was to machine out the ram and then the actual sizer that I screw down in the top of the press. After I size my Minie Balls, I weigh them on an electronic scale. Of course, I automatically reject the Minie's that have casting flaws like wrinkles, etc. But by weighing the ones that LOOK GOOD, I always find a small percentage of those that are dramatically UNDERWEIGHT. What that tells me is that those Minies have an "air bubble" somewhere in them. They get thrown back into the casting pot. Also, get some AAMPCO NIPPLES from Dixie Gun Works for your Enfield. They are made out of Beryllium and are 1000% BETTER than the steel nipple that comes on your gun. Just make sure you get nipples with the correct thread for your gun. Consider casting your own bullets. All you need is a Lee lead pot and a mould. If you do so, be sure to use pure (soft) lead as that is what works for making Minie Balls. By casting your own Minie Balls you are in control of the quality and also save money. You will get a great feeling of accomplishment! GOOD LUCK!