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cast bullet loads for .30-40 & .30-06
wood butcher
Member Posts: 15 ✭✭
I have been trying to find cast bullet loads for my Krag and my '03.
I have a mold for a 200gr RN w/gas check and what I desire is a pleasant plinking round for the range. And a reduced load, I don't desire to burn up a lot of expensive powder. Any ideas? All the books I have show load for jacketed bullets.
I have a mold for a 200gr RN w/gas check and what I desire is a pleasant plinking round for the range. And a reduced load, I don't desire to burn up a lot of expensive powder. Any ideas? All the books I have show load for jacketed bullets.
Comments
Probably the best resource for cast bullet development and loading information is the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook. You can find these used or new for a very reasonable price. This is a resource that you can read and use forever. Spend the money, buy it and read it.
The Speer Reloading manuals contain a huge variety of cartridges and loads which includes the 30-40 Krag, 30-06, as well as reduced load suggestions. Any of these (there are several) can be found used and new.
Hodgdon Powder Co. publishes "Youth/Reduced" loads on their website and in their Reloading manuals using H-4895. Reduced loads can also be found using IMR-4198, IMR-SR-4759 and AA-5744. Accurate Arms lists loads for the 5744 on their website. The Speer manual has the other powder and loads.
As an aside, the prices of lead, copper and powder are on the rise and significantly. The term 'inexpensive' will be relative to the markets for these components. My lead cost has gone up 50% and copper 40% so if the new prices surprise you, go look at the stock market and the world's governments orders for ammunition.
Best.
I was taught that you should seat gas checked bullets so that the gas check was still in the neck of the case. If you go with gas checked bullets pick a mold design that will let you do this. The era of free lead is about over.
Tim
As for lead I can still get it free at the tire shops (wheel weights) and it works fine.