?? About BP rounds in my Sharps

[john boy]

... when I weighed them, they were all over the scale!

Bailey, get your melt up to temperature so the sprue puddle frosts in about 5 seconds and use this casting method ... http://www.longrangebpcr.com/8Phases.htm
I printed the chart and tacked it on the wall where I cast.  Your bullets will be pretty and the bell curve weights, with a consistent rhythm, will be a 1 gr variance.  Make sure your melt temperature stays within a 10 degree variance also

I've been using the 8 Phase Method for close to 5 years and it works!

[Steel Horse Bailey]

More great suggestions!

Thanks, JB

[Montana Slim]

Jeff,

I'm using the Lyman 500 gr RN gov't style bullet. I believe it is 457125. Depending on alloy and when the mold was manufactured, they cast between 505 - 520 grains. Mine casts at 505 gr, using recycled range lead. This is much softer than typical commercial bullets. I use a bottom pour technique, nothing fancy, light pressure holding the mold closed, and I don't pressureize the mold by holding it to the spout. I'm getting +/-  .6 grain repeatability during a run. Some folks find better consistency by ladle pouring. You must be sure to keep the mold faces clean and clear of tiny bits of lead. This will cause a lot of inconsistency. use a razor blade to keep faces clean. Alos be sure the vents are clear. Iron molds are totally different than the Lee 6-cavity mold. Takes much longer to heat up and cast ood bullets. I probably scrap the first dozen out of a session. Also must be carefull not to overheat. Slow, but steady is best.

I've seen guns with sections of rifling missing shoot well. However, one with a tight spot anywhere in the bore, except at/very near the muzzle will kill the guns accuracy. If you wonder if it is the gun, I suggest checking this.

I also wouldn't take a sales-rep's word on the twist. I know folks who's guns measured different....as in it measured 1-22" twist when advertised as 1-18". They wanted to shoot long-range and buffalo matches with a heavy bullet, but had poor results. Easy to check with a tight patch on the jag. Measure the linear distance for one complete revolution.

Regards,
Slim

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Thanks, Slim.

I'm going to measure the rifling myself.  That should at least get me in the right ballpark.  I'll be happy if I can get 6" - 8" groups at 500 yds.  Probably less, the way I shoot.  (Less range, not smaller groups!)


I admire great bullseye shooting, but I don't have the patience for it.  I'm a better tactical shooter.  I shudder to think - with my physical condition now - about the few times I donned the shooting vest & gloves back when I was shooting on our Ft. Knox shooting team.  It was uncomfortable THEN ... but stable!  I sure wish I had that old Winchester National Match .22 rifle I used back then - or could afford one from CMP now.  They (Model 52, if I remember correctly) made target shooting fairly easy - even in MY hands.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4c/Win52c.jpg/800px-Win52c.jpg

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