reloading data for shooting lead bullets

[nilebartram]

Where do I get info on reloading/ shooting lead bullets in .308 caliber. I am shooting a 40X with a Kreiger barrel, I believe the barrel is a 1/11 twist. It was my Dad's rifle and he does not remember. He shoot 165 and 168 gr jacketed bullets, according to the bullets I found on his reloading shelf. There was some lead bullets in .308, do not know the weight. I know he shoot them in the 40X. Wish I would have asked before he died. Any info would be nice. nilebartram

 

[JohnKielly]

Maybe try this bunch: http://castboolits.gunloads.com

 

[MN50Shooter]

If you have a scale, weigh the bullets and we might be able to assist you. I have several old manuals that cover lead quite extensively.

 

[ireload2]

There are manuals published by RCBS and Lyman.
You can buy old copies of either on ebay. The Lyman manual is still being printed and is updated from time to time so it is still available new from other sources.

The RCBS manual was printed only once to the best of my knowledge so you can only find the original printing on ebay.

There is some data in the last 50 years of Handloader Magazine but you need an index to find it.

 

[Intheshop]

CBA,cast bullet assoc...

They list equipment and loads for matches.Digging around their results should put you in the fast lane,especially with your 308.It'll make you a better shooter because of slower barrel time and wind calling.

But it can be a serious hole.The equipment (rifles/barrels will seem cheap) to really stretch the boundaries isn't for the faint of heart.Try to keep it simple and look at it more as a training aid.Good luck.

 

[akajun]

Lyman cast bullet handbook and castboolits website

 

[nilebartram]

I just purchase a Lyman cast bullet handbook,(reloader's guide), hope it is the right one. One of the bullets weight was 160.5 grs. Also,he had a M1A made by Ted Brown of Oregon, can you shoot lead cast bullets in that rifle, it has a Krieger barrel? nilebartram

 

[Ron Blain]

The Lyman manual(s) are a good start. Unfortunately you don't know the hardness of the cast bullets you have. Your Lyman manual should devote a few pages to explaining cast bullet hardness, you may want to get familiar with that information.

Also,he had a M1A made by Ted Brown of Oregon, can you shoot lead cast bullets in that rifle, it has a Krieger barrel?

There is no reason you can't run cast bullets through a M1A. You just want to keep your .308 Winchester loads gas system friendly. I have never done it with my own M1A but can't think of any reason it would be harmful as long as you watch your load data and keep it inline with M1A loads. That being just my thoughts on the subject. The Hornady 9th Edition Handbook of Cartridge Reloading has a section devoted to Service Rifle Loading for rifles like the M1 Garand and M1A. Unfortunately it does not get into using cast bullets but none the less some good dope. Zediker Reloading for the Match M14 is a good read, note what he mentions about p[owder and why.

Ron

 

[Baddog0302]

Here is a link to a long thread that covers cast in an M1A http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?3558-7-62x51-NATO-(-308-WCF)-in-the-Springfield-M1A
I cast & shoot cast in my SA M1A , but IF you are only interested in shooting up your supply of cast bullets, I would suggest shooting them up in one session or two, then give your weapon a good cleaning , especially the bore and the gas system
Any questions , just ask.

 

[nilebartram]

Thanks everybody for the info, it is a start. nilebartram