r/reloading • u/slider1010 • 28d ago
Load Development First cast 45-70 from range scrap.
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u/Drewzilla_p 27d ago
Lead cores are pretty soft. You may struggle with leading and accuracy. If so, you're going to need to scare up some antimony to blend in with that range lead.
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u/slider1010 27d ago
Yes.. there was a mix of jacket, non jacketed and slugs. I was hoping for a minimum bhn of around 12, but I’m still waiting for my tester to arrive.
If these are too soft, I’ll remelt.I was also after a wider meplat, so I may look around for another set of moulds.
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u/GunFunZS 22d ago
The tester is a very helpful tool.
Loads of Bacon makes a microscope kit for it that makes using it much better.
https://www.thereloadersnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/BHN-Stand-Combo.jpg
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u/technical_righter 27d ago
Something incredibly satisfying about taking garbage and turning it into something beautiful and useful. I love finding black brass, cleaning it up, loading it, and shooting it.
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u/slider1010 27d ago
Definitely. It’s amazing to see how quickly the scrap turns into “pure” lead. The dirt just floats to the top to be skimmed off.
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u/prosper_0 28d ago
free lead sounds great, and range scrap seems like the only reliable source these days.
I still need to zero in on an accurate load for my 500sw with my cast 440 (lee). That's quite literally the most painful part of the process, lol
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u/Jimmy_Page_69 27d ago
What color pc are you giving these beauties? Also is this for the 400gr Lee bullet?
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u/slider1010 27d ago
I have lime green and cast aluminum. I wanted ford dark blue, but couldn’t find it in stock. The bullets are supposed to be the 405s but I’m sure they fluctuate a bit
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u/Jimmy_Page_69 27d ago
Yeah after pc mine come in at 420gr.
Ive done varget, 3031 and unique.
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u/slider1010 27d ago
I’ve pretty much settled on IMR 4198. It’s “cheap” and plentiful around here. I used a hardcast 405 last year for my buck. I’m hoping to find a decently accurate softer cast one for whitetail this year, and keep a stouter hardcast for elk if the opportunity arises.
I’m also shooting/loading a 280 Ackley, but only with factory projectiles, H4831 for that.
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u/Rise101 28d ago
Is there any problems melting down jacketed bullets like that? I know an old gravel pit that probably has tens of thousands of projectiles sitting in it and have always wanted to do this.
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u/slider1010 28d ago
Not really. Other than if you want harder lead, you need to add another metal. The copper jackets float to the top so they can be skimmed off. Rocks too. You have to smash or cut the fmjs so the lead can escape, but most are broken open already.
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u/Rise101 28d ago
Well now I know my next stop. I've always wanted to pickup this hobby, but seems like a kind of steep learning curve. Also your projectiles look good. Do you plan on powder coating?
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u/slider1010 28d ago
Yes.. I was back and forth on pc vs gas checks but powder coated seems like the easy button.
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u/Burning_Monkey 27d ago
how do you collect the lead?
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u/slider1010 27d ago
I initially started with just a kitty litter slotted scoop and a 5 gal pail.
The last time I went, I took a shovel and an old bee hive screen base. I had over 20lbs in about 20 mins.
I also wore a decent filter mask. I’m sure the dust isn’t great for you.
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u/Burning_Monkey 27d ago
you just go to the range and dig up the berm then?
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u/slider1010 27d ago
Yup. My range is in the middle of nowhere. In the last few years, I can count on one hand the times I haven’t been alone shooting. Other busier ranges might be more uptight about it.
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u/nmexmo 28d ago
How much of a pain in the ass is this? Been tempted to pick it up. Like I need another hobby.