Cast bullets in hunting rifles.

[Adam Helmer]

I have about 50 moulds and cast for muzzleloaders, handguns and rifles. I get wheelweights free at the local tire shop in town. I melt them down for rifle and handgun projectiles, add some solder and drop the bullets into a bucket of water to make them harder. Cast bullets use less powder and have less recoil than jacketed bullets. Today, I found another great cast load for a vintage deer rifle.

I shot the Lyman #31141 170 grain flatnose bullet ahead of 27 grains of IMR3031 in my M1894 .30/30 Winchester Rifle with 24-inch octogan barrel made in 1919. The 170 grain cast bullet shot to the same point of aim at 100 yards as the 150 grain jacketed bullet and 28 grains of 3031.

Another favorite cast load is for the 8X57MM Mauser. The Lyman 323471 215 grain bullet ahead of 25 grains of IMR 4198 is my "Ball Substitute" load for all my 8mm Mausers. I need to set the rear sights to "500" to get 100 yard POA/POI (Point of aim/Point of impact) that is the same for 150 jacketed bullet loads.

With the prices of jacketed bullets going ever higher, it is time to seek a cast bullet alternative to practice sessions with favorite arms.

Adam