[Rich D]

Best bullet mold for for both M1A and M1, and best gas check? I've read hard primers, so common primer for both, 4064 powder or the like?

 

[boomerpusher]

49th Lyman handbook would be my best guess. They have a very good cast section in there. Haven't tried any cast bullets in my M1A yet.

 

[m14nm]

This is a good read on cast loads with the mold numbers.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?3558-7-62x51-NATO-(-308-WCF)-in-the-Springfield-M1A&highlight=m14%20loads

 

[hardheaded]

Have any of you molders tried Babbitt instead of lead

 

[KYMountainMan]

I've fired lead from a friend's M14 on more than one occasion. It's not worth the time, effort, and perceived savings in my opinion. I could never get better than a 6" group at 75 yards with any of his loads.

He's one of those guys that will spend $2000 on a rifle and another $700 on a scope, but won't put back enough money for jacketed bullets. LOL1

My philosophy .... I go by the "Rule of 5s" .... 5 times the rifle's weight in bullets, 5 times the rifle's weight in powder, and 5 times weight in brass. Primers are usually exempt, and I usually only put back 2k primers and rebuy as I use them up.

As for the whole "SHTF" philosophy .... you have better odds at winning the Powerball as to ever have to fire your rifle in self defense in today's day and age. The whole "Prepper Movement" has been perpetuated by crafty marketing, Hollywood, and politicians who perpetuate fear to keep control. Just my 2 cents. ICONWINK

 

[m1476251]

Have any of you molders tried Babbitt instead of lead

Be careful when using babbitt bearing material to use as bullet casting alloy. Some babbitt contains arsenic, you don't want to smelt any babbitt that will release arsenic and kill you.

If you want a harder bullet than look no further than linotype. It doesn't take much linotype to harden up your alloy, it is very effective.

 

[m1476251]

Best bullet mold for for both M1A and M1, and best gas check? I've read hard primers, so common primer for both, 4064 powder or the like?

Take a look at the RCBS molds, I favor them over Lyman. Either way they are both very good, I think that the RCBS has the edge in quality though.

If you want to shoot full velocity cast rifle bullets, then you have to get into powder coating also. Between the powder coat, a hard alloy and gas check cast rifle bullets can be fired at full velocities.

I currently load 5.56 with a powder coated gas checked RCBS 59gr cast bullet at full velocity with with Win 748 out of my Colt 6920 and my SBR AR15.

Zero leading or accuracy issues.

 

[Rich D]

Take a look at the RCBS molds, I favor them over Lyman. Either way they are both very good, I think that the RCBS has the edge in quality though.

If you want to shoot full velocity cast rifle bullets, then you have to get into powder coating also. Between the powder coat, a hard alloy and gas check cast rifle bullets can be fired at full velocities.

I currently load 5.56 with a powder coated gas checked RCBS 59gr cast bullet at full velocity with with Win 748 out of my Colt 6920 and my SBR AR15.

Zero leading or accuracy issues.

First---NO babbit. It has a low melting point and viscosity, so it can ruin molds. I've got a few hundred pounds of wheel weights, pure lead, linotype, plus some zinc and antimony for alloying. I will use gas checks. My main concern was which mold. I see Lee has one for $21 that some use. I've got Lyman handles for my .44 and .45 pistol molds. I'd have to get new handles for RCBS. Does an M1A/M1 batter the bullet nose too much. I've got the ability to make some very hard bullets. How about favorite lube.
From the traffic at Cabelas today, ammo may be scarce in a little bit.

 

[Seabreeze133]

I have used 152 gr cast bullets from my NEI # 47 mold with 29.5 gr H335 and R-P brass with good results. 3-4 MOA groups in a match prepped Federal Ordinance with Chinese parts and Chinese chrome lined barrel. Wheel weights.

If your question is for use when ammo is not so available as when the balloon goes up, it is worth the trouble. Lee Precision makes a good 20# pot that is not expensive. I have used one for about 15 years and always cast with a dipper. not bottom pour. Water quench them.

Go to Cast Boolits forum and learn some stuff. Plus get the Lyman cast bullet manual.

seabreeze

 

[30Caliber]

Gas checks are easy. Whatever you can find. Probably Hornady and sagesoutdoors (Gatorchecks).

 

[m14nm]

Have any of you molders tried Babbitt instead of lead

There are different types of babbitt. Lead based, tin based.
Some herehttps://rotometals.com/babbitt-bearing-alloys/
I have mixed tin based with pure for casting bullets, but if you don't know the type or composition of the babbitt you are using, your just wasting it.
Babbitt for bullets http://www.lasc.us/FelixBabbitbulletAlloy.htm
Two good places to learn about cast bullets are
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/cmps_index.php

or

http://www.castbulletassoc.org/