Cast Bullets in Old Military Bolt Rifles.

[Adam Helmer]

Now that hunting seasons have mostly past, I am experimenting with various diameter cast bullets in old military rifles. I just got a double cavity .312" 185 grain semi-spitzer bullet mould and made about 500 bullets out of wheelweights and a little tin and with a water quench as the bullets fall from the mould. I was happy to see my cast bullets shot well in a Mk III .303 dated 1911. I sized some bullets to .311" and added a gas check. I also gas checked some "as cast" .312 bullets that I hand lubed. The .311 and .312 bullets grouped well with 2400 and IMR4198 on the 100-yard range.

I have a few old reloading books dedicated to cast bullets and see where they recommended .310 and .311 bullets for the .30/40 Krag and .30-06. The latest Lyman Cast Bullet handbook lists .309" cast bullets for the .30/40 Krag and .30-06. If the .309" bullets do not fly well, try .311 or .312 at the same powder charge. The .309 bullets go well in my Finnish 7.62X54R rifles, while the .311 or .312 is needed in the Russian rifles of the same caliber. Good shooting and Merry Christmas.

Adam

[Rapier]

Adam,
You did not mention it so I feel the need to ask, did you slug your bore on those rifles before you started?
Ed

[Adam Helmer]

Rapier,

I did not slug my bores in the conventional way. Instead, I put the bullet point first in the muzzle and see where it stops. In the past my slugging process disclosed different sizes along the length of the bore. It seems the final size at the muzzle is the most important of the bore sizes regarding accuracy.

Adam

[Adam Helmer]

Cast Bullet Update:

I had a great range session yesterday with a MkIII dated 1911 and a No.4 Mk1 Savage endorsed "US Property." Every rifle is a law unto itself and found that both rifles liked IMR4198 powder and the 185 grain cast bullet. Cast bullets suffice for 90% of my shooting with my military arms. Surprisingly, some rifles shoot to the same point of aim and impact with either jacketed or cast bullets. Other rifles require a bit more elevation on the rear sight for a 100-yard impact. I suggest gun owners keep good records; I am on my 14th shooting notebook. I often scotch tape into the notebook target groups, both good and bad, so I can duplicate good results and avoid lesser performance.

Cast bullets can be sized to fit any bore for good results. The powder charges are much less than for jacketed bullets and the recoil is less. One can shoot more for less cost with cast bullets and the bore is less stressed in the process; what is not to like?

Adam

[Rapier]

Adam,
I ran out space for my notebooks a while back so started using my flat bed scanner to convert targets into jpeg files. I also developed data forms for my computer using Word. I have a major folder titled Reloading with multiple sub folders, normally kept while a cartridge is in development. Then the data from range work is converted to a single multiple page document and placed in a nemerical doc file by caliber.

If you double click on the upper header you can enter the cartridge on the left and such things as Trim length and shell holder for the RCBS trimme on the right. You close the header and save the document as the cartridge, ie 303 Brit. I print a form and take it to my range and make pencil notes on it then enter the data into the computer along with the target scans. Most times I replace momentum with the OAL info.
Ed

[Gil Martin]

Very interesting log sheet. If you do not mind, I will copy it into EXCEL and use it. All the best...
Gil

[Rapier]

Gil,
You are more than welcome as is anyone who wants to use the form or modify it.
Ed