Need a source for hard cast bullets.

[Jacks Grampa]

I'll be loading .357Max. and .454 Casull so they need to be hard. Might cast my own if I can find a good alloy. Lyman #2 is too soft for 1500-1800fps. Thanks, James

 

[DShortt]

I've never tried them, but there's a company called RotoMetals that sells lead specifically for lead bullet casting.

It can even be found on Amazon from RotoMetals.

 

[dryhumor]

If you can find them, old sailboats have harder lead keel weights.

 

[rlporter507]

add antimony to make your lead harder. the old clip on wheel weights have a high antimony content.
My 45 pistol casting formula was 18 pounds of range lead,(from the pistol traps which was already pretty hard lead) 1 pound of wheel weights, and one pound of Linotype.

 

[243winxb]

Might cast my own if I can find a good alloy.

Needs a gas check bullet & heat treated. PHOTOS

 

[DHD]

That is jacketed velocity range, but it has been done with cast. At that velocity, even jacketed bullets loaded by Freedom Arms (back in time) were wearing a thicker jacket.

Freedom Arms had their lighter weight bullets listed as using thicker jackets and I seem to remember they were 250ish grains and maybe 270 grains for 45's to get into that velocity range. Not fun to shoot IMHO. That is the reason my older 454 FA83 has those funny looking slits very near the muzzle and hardened forcing cone. Yeah, it is an older one.

I have cast piles of gas checked bullets (.32 through 45 caliber), but I never ventured into that velocity range even with my 454 FA83. My harder alloy was harder than wheel weights but still not linotype. I never found my best accuracy using really hard cast bullets, but again I stay in the 1300ish fps range with cast. I also powdercoat and gas check for that. I think powdercoat will not work for 1500-1800 as heat treatment would melt it and make a bigger mess. Probably my favorite alloy was wheel weights sweetened with tin for revolvers. Wheel weights have some tin, but not enough IMO. While expensive nowadays, tin sure does make the alloy fill out a mould and adds speck of hardness too.

Not gonna argue with 243winxb about both heat treating and gas checking. Old wheel weights are harder than some alloys, but not that hard (without heat treatment that is) and they can vary on hardness too. For your stated usage (extreme handgun velocity I think), I would look into specific alloys, gas checked molds, very good and harder lube, and as mentioned heat treating.

Is your 357 Max an older Ruger Blackhawk? They are getting more and more scarce....

I suspect highly there are members here that also are members at "castboolits". There you would find an answer and a wealth of information on alloys, velocities, lubes, and most importantly accuracy.

 

[DeadWoodDan]

SNS Casting is a neighbor of mine and have used his product for volume. Depending on your expectations and goal if casting is in your skill and time its a great additonal hobby.

 

[Longmire]

Give these guys a call. They offer hard cast bullets.

Montana Bullet Works - Custom Ladle Cast Bullets

Extensive selection of hard cast bullets from original LBT, RCBS, & Lyman moulds. Custom ladle cast for handloaders: both competitive & recreational shooters.

www.montanabulletworks.com

 

[243winxb]

454 Casull

SAAMI Working PSI is 65,000. I would guess a lower pressure is needed for cast, GC bullets.

Slug your barrel for correct diameter bullets. Slugged diameter plus .001" should work. Cylinder throats need to be larger.

Hodgdon lists data for cast bullet. This load data shows what maximum pressures/velocities are available.
https://www.montanabulletworks.com/product/45-colt-lbt-335gr-lfn-gc/

 

[243winxb]

i suggest using magnum primer. Required for 296/110 powder. Cups are thicker.
No CCI400 OR Rem 6 1/2.

 

[std7mag]

I'm using Missouri cast lead bullets for 9mm, 38SPCL, 357 Mag, 45ACP, 45 Colt, and M1 Carbine.
Obviously I have to alternate between BNH12 and BNH18.

357Mag, 45 Colt I'm shooting close to 1,600fps.
30 M1 Carbine I'm shooting a 115gr Missouri cast lead close to 1,700fps.
All 3 of these are the #18.

 

[rockhound78]

1700fps is pushing it for plain base bullets. Hardened #2 should work. Also, there is the option of finding a hard powder coated bullet. If any of these don't work, then its gas check time

 

[Leo_B]

Include Missouri Bullet Co. in your "suspects" list. Excellent products and CS. https://missouribullet.com

 

[SeabeeKen]

I wouldnt shoot lead in my 454. Even hornady says to use their magnum jacketed bullet in it since the standard jackets could deform.

 

[WayneShaw]

Lyman #2, sized .001" over groove diameter, gas checked, and powder coated. No leading.

 

[JSH]

Hard cast does not guarantee issue free speed, gas checked or not.
I had more issues with had cast leading than some softer alloy.
My thoughts and findings, hard cast will skid, where some softer alloy will “grab” and engage the rifling.
Size is king.

 

[kenhwind]

Missouri Bullets sells their bullets with an "M" in the bullet code, for magnum loads. Coated or non-coated.

I've used SNS, ACME as well as Missouri but not at magnum velocities