Bullet Casting & Coating MegaThread

Artie said:
Does it need to be a set screw? I have all kinds of M4 hardware but none that are set screws (allen, torx, philips). Let me know and I can mail it out to you if you want something longer and just let it hang out.

View attachment 832540View attachment 832541
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Thanks Artie!

Turns out that an M4 machine screw (fine thread) is the same. So, I just used one of those I had around.
 
I finally loaded up some test x39 rounds with 13, 14, 15gr of 2400 with Hi-Tek coated 138gr bullets dropped from the 314410.

I tested in an AK because I have a good load for the SKS. 13gr fully cycled the bolt but didn’t reset the trigger and it felt soft. Above that it cycled like a champ.

When I got home I found it had some leading and that it had a bore of .313 and I’m sizing to .313. Never noticed lead with the Lee 155gr but I was also loading up the lube grove. I was thinking of loading up a few with lube and testing them to see if that is enough to avoid serious leading.

If that doesn’t do the trick I have a couple of options. My Lee 314 sizing die actually pushes out 313 and I have a modified lee 314 which sizes to 315ish. I was hoping the gun would like these.
 
Jay77 said:
I finally loaded up some test x39 rounds with 13, 14, 15gr of 2400 with Hi-Tek coated 138gr bullets dropped from the 314410.

I tested in an AK because I have a good load for the SKS. 13gr fully cycled the bolt but didn’t reset the trigger and it felt soft. Above that it cycled like a champ.

When I got home I found it had some leading and that it had a bore of .313 and I’m sizing to .313. Never noticed lead with the Lee 155gr but I was also loading up the lube grove. I was thinking of loading up a few with lube and testing them to see if that is enough to avoid serious leading.

If that doesn’t do the trick I have a couple of options. My Lee 314 sizing die actually pushes out 313 and I have a modified lee 314 which sizes to 315ish. I was hoping the gun would like these.
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Where are you leading?
 
I’ve slugged that bore a few times getting 313 each time. I’m using a .323 slug and I’m definitely getting my ring as I start it in the muzzle. Once it passes the muzzle first inch or two the weight of the brass rod pushes it down to the chamber and a couple of light taps it passes. This is the easiest and loosest slug I’ve ever sent down so I’m think the bore is bigger than spec. I’m going to clean it up some more and try again. And I’m using a Micrometer
 
Artie said:
Which Teslong? I have this in my Amazon cart as the diameter is less than a 22cal bullet.

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I have the iPhone one without the rod:

Amazon product ASIN B08GYLD5QKView: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08GYLD5QK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1


I've never had an issue with the software on iPhone SE.

Looks like the one you linked doesn't have the reflective mirrors and the cool carrying case. Although, for $65 less it might be worth it. I honestly don't remember seeing that one available for iPhone when I bought mine in Feb 2023.

I bought it because when I buy a gun, I want to look at the bore and make sure I'm not getting a bad deal.
 
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I scrubbed the bore more and it’s slugging around .314. The mold and Hi-Tek there are coming in at .316. I’m going to load some up at .315/.316 and see how they do. I might be able to let the barrel size these. It’s what I’m thinking for an approach.
 
Jay77 said:
I scrubbed the bore more and it’s slugging around .314. The mold and Hi-Tek there are coming in at .316. I’m going to load some up at .315/.316 and see how they do. I might be able to let the barrel size these. It’s what I’m thinking for an approach.
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Yeah that should be fine. I swear I just read a thread on oversized bullets and pressure testing data. The results were negligible from what I remember.
 
I took about 20 to the range for testing and they were in the 1800 fps with 15gr of 2400. I ran a patch and I did get some lead shards that were mainly on one side of the patch.

IMG_9441.jpeg


I’m thinking it stripping on the gas port and that came out with just a wet patch.
 
Jay77 said:
I took about 20 to the range for testing and they were in the 1800 fps with 15gr of 2400. I ran a patch and I did get some lead shards that were mainly on one side of the patch.

View attachment 833768


I’m thinking it stripping on the gas port and that came out with just a wet patch.
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Just get a damn lever gun already! None of these issues with a proper rifle 😂😂

IMG_3313.jpeg

Just sized this batch up. Time to switch the 550 over to 9mm
 
Jay77 said:
I’ve slugged that bore a few times getting 313 each time. I’m using a .323 slug and I’m definitely getting my ring as I start it in the muzzle. Once it passes the muzzle first inch or two the weight of the brass rod pushes it down to the chamber and a couple of light taps it passes. This is the easiest and loosest slug I’ve ever sent down so I’m think the bore is bigger than spec. I’m going to clean it up some more and try again. And I’m using a Micrometer
Click to expand...
Push it just past the muzzle then use a backup rod to expand it once you're past the tight part - don't pound on it just squeeze it a little.
That will help you find the wide spots
 
With deer season over I have some free time so I’m going to chamber cast it to see what is up. Before I make a bigger project I have to ask could this be a result of the gun having a new barrel and it needs more breaking in before I mess with the cast.
 
I loaded up 60 more x39 and with 15gr of 2400 they were coming in around 1800 fps. The leading was definitely around the gas port and it cleaned up pretty easy. I’m going to rinse and repeat with this lot of brass which is on reload #8 give or take.
 
1705267734589.png
does anyone have experience with the mp 462 hammer? i am looking to use it in 458 socom where my mp 462-420 ogive is to proud to work with crimp groove seating depth.

also looking into the 311-180 for M1A 308 win. for the same reason that i am having tight chambers with most molds i own.

I wish mihec had more dimensions on ogives and length from nose to grove to see what the differences are.
 
@pastera I might need to pick your brain about PID controllers at some point. I was baking a batch last night after I enclosed my oven in an insulated cabinet. Basically I wrapped the side and the back with some insulation to keep the temps more stable since it exposed to wind. I’m a glutton for punishment or maybe just stubborn but I was baking a batch of tru blue coated 45’s and the oven cut out. I still have power to the oven because I can hear the convention fan running but no power to the PID. I’m going to rip it apart at some point but I’m using an ink bird PID and I didn’t know if you would recommend one brand over the other if I need to replace.
 
I checked the other 9mm I brought with me and it has the same lead ring at the throat. This is the mold I’m using with a light charge of silhouette and these were sized at both .356 and .357 (different batches)

IMG_9491.jpeg
 

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