Modified Lee moulds...who wants one? (and bullet sizer)

Dakota Widowmaker · December 17, 2005, 04:40:13 PM

I am taking orders now.

I got the first 3 done and should have another 4 or 5 ready in the next month.

This SHOULD go in the classifieds, but, seeing as how I only make these on request, its one of those "gray" areas.

Just the modified mould is $50 + $5 S&H
Both the modified mould and bullet sizer is $75 + $5

I have a pair of bullet moulds are ready to go.

I have a 3 week lead time right now on the bullet sizing dies.

Moulds are based off of the Lee 500gr 50cal design, but, cut down to ~350gr with a 25:1 alloy mix. They have a SLIGHT bevel to the base which makes it a bit easier to seat them.

Send me a private message if you are insteads... in one or both.

Dakota Widowmaker · December 22, 2005, 04:05:53 PM

BTT and a bit of info...

I got 4 more Lee bullet sizers in and they are right at .512"

I have 4 more modified Lee bullet moulds machined from the Lee 500gr 50-70 block. (cut down to ~350gr)

I just got done casting some more bullets from my moulds and found 2 good bits of info.

I you cast at around a #8 on the Lee production pot temp setting, and then drop your freshly cast bullets into snow or a bucket fulll of ice water, you shrink the bullets down to .5135", which just barely get "kissed" by the Lee sizer.

The lube groves are as perfect as always.

mtmarfield · December 23, 2005, 07:48:33 PM

Greetings!

I'd like one of your moulds for $55! Do you lathe or mill them shorter?

Be Well!

M.T.Marfield
12-23-05

Dakota Widowmaker · December 26, 2005, 09:49:43 PM

All moulds are modified on a lathe... its really the only way to get it "perfect".

I cast some bullets from the moulds recently and they are all droping at about 352gr +/- 1gr.

It really depends on what alloy you use...

I find my spencer likes it nice and soft, plus, the hot cast bullets dropped into chilled water are near perfect.
(hardly any sizing takes place, but, ya still want to size when dealing with these rifles)

Dakota Widowmaker · December 30, 2005, 05:37:16 PM

BTT

First set of mould and sizers are gone!!!

I should have another 4 here shortly...

Once again, here is what the finished product will look like after its poured and sized.

Tuolumne Lawman · January 01, 2006, 06:11:16 PM

Howdy,

I am using one of Dakota Widowmaker's dies and sizers,and they worrk great! The are perfectly smooth if you crimp over the front driving band. If they are longer, at least in my infantry rifle, you have to jigle it a little. I get about 43 Grains (volume) of triple 7 loading this length. That should more than equal the 45 grains of Musket powder the originals used.

I have not been able to shoot it, However, as the rains have been insessent (14 days out of 17 I have off for school break), with a total accumulation here at my place in excess of 20" OF RAIN! I got a rain gauge on the 4th day of intense rain, and have measured 15 inches just since Chjistmas!)

mtmarfield · January 04, 2006, 11:08:34 PM

Greetings!

The Modified Lee Mould has arrived! Your work looks better than Lees. My "potluck soft alloy" drops a 355gr., .517" slug that looks real close to being "The Bullet"! I've opted to get the Lee Hardness Tester, so when it arrives, I'll be a bit clearer with my hardness 'guesstimates'!

Bravo!

Be Well!

M.T.Marfield
1-4-06

Dakota Widowmaker · January 05, 2006, 08:25:12 PM

Good to hear from happy and satisfied customers.

It really depends on the alloy. I lefta bit more material at the bottom for the bases to start inside the cases.

If you want less material, just throw it in a vice and draw file a few thou off.

If folks want the bullets "lighter", I can adjust for it. But, let me know ahead of time.

350-355 is just about perfect for the 56-50 and you still have room for 45gr of compressable powder. (Pyrodex or GOEX or SWISS)