Cast rifle bullet seating question

Poodleshooter · April 20, 2006, 12:40 PM

I just recently started casting for centerfire rifles.

Do you need a seperate expander or "M" die to seat gas checked bullets properly, or does the check itself allow the bullet to seat more like a regular jacketed bullet with just a normally expanded chamfered case mouth?
FWIW,these are Lee cas 170gr FNGC sized down to .309 for use in a 30/30.

Jim Watson · April 20, 2006, 01:00 PM

I don't know if it is NECESSARY, but I wouldn't dream of loading cast .30s without an M die. It eliminates risk of scraping lead off the driving bands ahead of the gas check.
I have been known to use it for flatbase jacketed bullets for that matter.

Leftoverdj · April 20, 2006, 01:45 PM

Poodle, it's worth having a Lee Universal expander on your bench, but I would not bother with an M die for .30-30s to be fired in an ordinary lever gun. It's one of those refinements that may help a little in a finely accurate scoped bolt rifle.

leckie66 · April 21, 2006, 08:10 AM

do yourself a favor and buy an m die,,,saves lots of headaches I shaved many bullets not useing it

April 20, 2006, 12:40 PM	#1
Poodleshooter Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2000 Location: Floating down the James River in VA Posts: 2,599	Cast rifle bullet seating question I just recently started casting for centerfire rifles. Do you need a seperate expander or "M" die to seat gas checked bullets properly, or does the check itself allow the bullet to seat more like a regular jacketed bullet with just a normally expanded chamfered case mouth? FWIW,these are Lee cas 170gr FNGC sized down to .309 for use in a 30/30.

April 20, 2006, 01:00 PM	#2
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 19,186	I don't know if it is NECESSARY, but I wouldn't dream of loading cast .30s without an M die. It eliminates risk of scraping lead off the driving bands ahead of the gas check. I have been known to use it for flatbase jacketed bullets for that matter.

April 20, 2006, 01:45 PM	#3
Leftoverdj Senior Member Join Date: October 15, 2004 Posts: 934	Poodle, it's worth having a Lee Universal expander on your bench, but I would not bother with an M die for .30-30s to be fired in an ordinary lever gun. It's one of those refinements that may help a little in a finely accurate scoped bolt rifle.

April 21, 2006, 08:10 AM	#4
leckie66 Member Join Date: January 22, 2006 Posts: 20	do yourself a favor and buy an m die,,,saves lots of headaches I shaved many bullets not useing it