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As I cast bullets I acquired the Lee 38-55 250 grain plain base bullet mould and this proved to be a total dead loss. The bullet needs so much sizing down that it’s distorted and shoots around corners. Fortunately the mould cost me very little. Sooner or later I’ll buy a proper mould.

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If there is heavy sizing to do, the bullet's grease grooves must be FILLED prior to sizing. If this is done, there is no distortion.

Lee will make a custom diameter size die with proper sized plunger, both fitting a regular loading press, for about $25.00 US. Normally, a cast bullet should be throat sized as long as it will fit in the case. The groove diameter is of less importance as long as the bullet is always same size or larger. You can size a bulelt so it just barely is a push fit inside a fired case (no sizing) and it will shoot with better accuracy than sized smaller to fit a sized case and groove diameter.

You should put a wad of compressed paper, card stock or other material between a plain based bullet and the powder, but of course,in a necked case, the wad must be in the neck as well as the bullet.

I have sized .375" & .376" jacketed and cast bullets down to .367" without any distortion at all, using a base pushing die I made. The cast bullets, both the RCBS 250gr. and the 300gr. Saeco (I think) bullet worked perfectly at .376" in my .375's, including my Model 94 Winchester .375 Win.

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Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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