Lee 30 Caliber Molds

M

MSD Mike

New member
I have been casting for handgun calibers for awhile now and would like to start casting for my 30-30's (Winchester and Marlin) and 30-06 for my 03A3. I have not yet slugged my barrels but understand that most 30 caliber rifles like a bullet sized to .310. This brings me to the Lee molds I have been looking at and noticed that their 30 caliber molds all state that they are .309. With the Lee handgun molds I have they typically drop a little oversize when using COWW's. In you all's experience is that to be expected with their rifle molds as well.

Thanks
Mike
 
I only got the 309-150-F, but these drop at .311, with a nose of .301, from an alloy of 70/30 pure/WW with 1% tin. They are purposefully soft because I'm going to try powdercoating and see if it will let me shoot softer bullets than normal from a 30-30. So I know it would be at least .311 with straight WW.

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It depends on what alloy you are using. It is my understanding that .309 is based on pure lead. When you use alloys when they cool they end up a few thou larger then then pure lead. When casting for rifle you won't/shouldn't use pure lead. I like to size down my lee cast. So you might think of picking up a .310 sizing die to seat your gas checks and size the bullets an increase uniformaty. (I tumble lube so I use the lee sizer)
 
The Marlin will like a .310 bullet, I use the bullet beagle has(pictured) cast with a aluminum gas check to 1500 fps useing 3031 powder with good results.

My &00 in 06 will swallow a bullet to 313 & a 301 nose.

 
Hmmm, so I was going to order a mold, gas checks and a .310 push through sizer and it seems as if Lee makes a .309 and a .311. Am I missing something on the website or is this the case. What to do what to do? Go with the .311?

Mike
 
If the mold says it drops .309 ordering the .311 might be too big. The die may not size it at all. I would order the .309 and try it. Worse case you get terrible accuracy and results. Best case it works great. The sizing die is around 20 bucks. So if you decide to ream it out .001 it's not going to break the bank.
 
Probably the smartest thing would be to get the mold and cast a few to see what size they drop before getting a sizing die. How about the Lyman molds, I believe they are made to drop at .311? I was going to try to get away with a cheaper mold but I really want t o make sure I can size to .310 or .311.

Mike
 
It has been my experience that you cannot count on a mold to drop a certain size unless you get one from a custom maker and use the alloy it was designed for. (MiHec, NOE, Accurate, etc). My Lymans all drop different sizes, even though all mold numbers start with "358".:confused: (fortunately though, most are over .358)
My 309-150 Lee drops .311 with my 70/30 alloy.

Just get one and try it, or buy one used from someone who says what size it drops, using a known alloy.
And your alloy will affect your drop size as well..... considerably. If you aren't using the alloy that the maker designated for it, the size will differ. Mold temp and alloy temp play into the size as well. It's a complicated dance.
So it's hard to tell you to just "go buy this and you'll be happy." :)
 
If a mould drops a thou or two smaller than your needs you could always "Beagle" the mould ( no pun intended) and size accordingly ,, or not ;)
 
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