Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
Armory Sponsor
2/3/2013 1:39:26 AM EDT
I recently started reloading for 300 blk, and want to start loading for 45 and 38. I was wondering, if I buy commercially made cast lead bullets, will I need any special equipment to prep or load then, or are they good to go as is? Want to eventually start casting my own but not ready to drop the extra dough on equipment for that

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
2/3/2013 2:52:54 AM EDT
[#1]
All the cast lead handgun bullets I've ever bought were already lubed and sized.  .38 special, .44 magnum, 9MM, .40 caliber, .45 acp, ready to put in the primed/powdered/belled case right out of the box.

You'll find if you shoot heavy loads (.357 or .44 magnum() you'll need a heavier crimp to keep the lead bullet from moving forward in the case on the rounds still in the cylinder as previous rounds are fired.  The lead bullets seem to "hesitate" to move with the rest of the gun/cases, etc. on heavy recoil.
2/3/2013 4:38:58 AM EDT
[#2]
No special equipment to load them, cept maybe the Lyman 4th Edition Cast handbook.

Slugging the bore is a good idea, then you will know what size cast bullet to buy.  

You may have to flare the case mouth a little more than you would for jacketed.

That's about it.
2/3/2013 4:41:55 AM EDT
[#3]



Quoted:


I recently started reloading for 300 blk, and want to start loading for 45 and 38. I was wondering, if I buy commercially made cast lead bullets, will I need any special equipment to prep or load then, or are they good to go as is? Want to eventually start casting my own but not ready to drop the extra dough on equipment for that



Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile


They just need to be  lubed and sized.

 
2/3/2013 5:42:36 AM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:

Quoted:
I recently started reloading for 300 blk, and want to start loading for 45 and 38. I was wondering, if I buy commercially made cast lead bullets, will I need any special equipment to prep or load then, or are they good to go as is? Want to eventually start casting my own but not ready to drop the extra dough on equipment for that

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile

They just need to be  lubed and sized.  


I have never purchased a Commercially made lead bullet that had to be lubed and sized.  In fact, don't know of any that do not come lubed and sized.

2/3/2013 5:46:03 AM EDT
[#5]
Pistol dies come with an expander for the mouth of the case.



Rifle dies like 300 blk, do not. So you will need an expander die here.




Other than that, no extra tools needed.




Lyman 49 is another manual that has a lot of cast rifle and pistol loads.
2/3/2013 5:50:50 AM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
Pistol dies come with an expander for the mouth of the case.

Rifle dies like 300 blk, do not. So you will need an expander die here.

Other than that, no extra tools needed.

Lyman 49 is another manual that has a lot of cast rifle and pistol loads.


Which expander die works well for the .300 Blk.??
2/3/2013 6:14:45 AM EDT
[#7]
I use a Lee universal expander.







Lyman M die is another option, but I have never used one of those.
2/3/2013 6:24:25 AM EDT
[#8]
Thanks for all the info, folks! Now to shop for some bullets
2/3/2013 6:49:52 AM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
Thanks for all the info, folks! Now to shop for some bullets


Good Luck, most manufacturers are out and back ordered for weeks if not months.

2/3/2013 11:50:03 AM EDT
[#11]
This is part of what I am using in the line of cast lead. I make my own.........

Armory Sponsor