36 Cal Bullet

[Colt Fanning]

Hi,
I have been shooting a 36 Cal C&B Pietta for some time with round balls and have had trouble centering the ball under
the loading plunger which deforms the ball and sometimes locks the cylinder.  I also have trouble getting enough ding
from the targets to wake up the counters.  It was suggested that I buy a two cavity Lee mold and shoot a heavier bullet.
I purchased the mold (they are no longer made but Lee has a few in stock) and cast some bullets.  They were very hard to load
since they wouldn't start into the cylinder.  I tapered the bottom of them but this didn't help much.  The bullet is a two lube groove
130 grain.  I faced off the top of the mold to the beginning of the first groove and carefully centered the cavity in a lathe and
bored the back lube groove to .368 in.  The mold now casts a 105 grain bullet with a tail on back which will go into the cylinder
to align the bullet in the cylinder setting on the center boss which was between the former two lube grooves.  The bullet
now easily centers into the cylinder when pushed into the cylinder by the loading plunger.  The accuracy and target ding
also seem to be improved.  Thought I would pass this on.
Regards
Colt

[Paladin UK]

Fer  Colt....

The mold now casts a 105 grain bullet with a tail on back which will go into the cylinder
to align the bullet in the cylinder setting on the center boss which was between the former two lube grooves.  The bullet
now easily centers into the cylinder when pushed into the cylinder by the loading plunger. 

Howz `bout some piccies of made boolits `n` the mold pard!!
I`m really innerested in this

Paladin (What lurvs his  .36`s  ) UK

[Colt Fanning]

Howdy
Here are Pics of the bullet and mold.  The bullet was about .150 in. longer before the mold was modified.
The step near the back of the bullet is a loose fit into the cylinder.
Regards
Colt

[Paladin UK]

Ho Colt...

Is that mold the Lee Dbl Cav375- 130-1R   #90378?
Iffn it is I jest happen ta have one!!

I cant quite make out the shape from the boolit piccie, could you post it again.
From what I can see on mine all I would need to do is face off the mold `till I get to the lube groove! is this right

Paladin (Whats kinda excited  ) UK

[Pettifogger]

Same question as PUK.  I can't figure out what you are opening to .368".  Looking at my mold, if I mill down to the beginning of the first lube groove it will have a step for the cylinder.

Opps.  Never mind.  I got it.  Just miked the bullet and mold.  The lube groove is way below cylinder diameter so you are turning it in the mold so it doesn't tip.  I'm gonna mill mine and try it.

[Colt Fanning]

Hi,
Yes, the number PUK posted is what is on the box the mold came in.
The reason Pettifogger gives for boring the lube groove to .368 is right.
The mold must be carefully centered in the 4 jaw chuck prior to boring so the lead
will be shaved evenly all around the bullet when it is pressed into the cylinder.
I have posted a better picture of the bullet.  The ledge which holds the bullet out of the cylinder
is hard to see because it is only a few thousands thick.