Cast Bullet Source for Krag

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Last Post 15 December 2013

Standard Member

Thomassen posted this 14 December 2013

I am not yet set up to cast my own. I have used cast made by Dave Jennings over at Montana Bullet Works and have liked them. I used a 314299 made from a Lyman mold (HT with GC) sized to 312 and have had fine results. Anyone know of a good source for these? Dave Jennings has been out of commission since mid October.Thanks, in advance.

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CBA Member

R. Dupraz posted this 14 December 2013

NOE shows that he has 312299 molds available right now. Have been looking at them myself. One of my shooting buddies has at least one NOE. Likes them. A fine piece of work.

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Chargar posted this 14 December 2013

I have some experience with cast bullets in the Krag rifle and have had very good luck with most designs that weight between 160 and 220 grains. They do best when sized .313 or perhaps larger if they will chamber in your brass and firearm.

I am sorry, I don't buy rifle bullets, so I have no idea who can sell you some.

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CBA Member

LWesthoff posted this 15 December 2013

I don't buy my cast bullets either, so can't help you that way, but thought I would mention that Lyman 311284 was designed specifically for the Krag. It shoots pretty good in my old Krag (which is NOT a gun I shoot in competition).

Wes

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Standard Member

Thomassen posted this 15 December 2013

I used the 314299 sized to 312 as it is a better fit after slugging my krag's throat.

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onondaga posted this 15 December 2013

http://www.castbulletassoc.org/view_user.php?id=7135>Thomassen

I hope what you think is the cost of setting up to start casting isn't what has delayed you. I started casting bullets in 1957. This is my current setup and cost less than one box of factory .458 Win Mag that I cast and load a bunch of:

http://s30.photobucket.com/user/rhymeswithwhat/media/CastingBench.jpg.html>http://s30.photobucket.com/user/rhymeswithwhat/media/PB240046_zps3f89d7cc.jpg.html>

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Standard Member

Thomassen posted this 15 December 2013

I've looked at the Lee set up. I'll probably get the melting pot. My Krag likes bullets made using the lyman 314299 sized to 312. I didn't see a sizing die for that diameter.

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onondaga posted this 15 December 2013

http://www.castbulletassoc.org/view_user.php?id=7135>Thomassen

Lee Lube & Size kits come in .311” and their next larger size is .314". This does not send you to nowhere land if you have to have .312” bullets.

The Lee push-through sizing dies in these kits are easily honed at home with simple stuff and Lee will also provide custom Lube & size kits for $34.00 :

http://leeprecision.com/custom-lube-and-size-kit/>http://leeprecision.com/custom-lube-and-size-kit/

Here is the simple slotted dowel and 300 grit emery cloth tool I made and used to hone a .457” Lee push through bullet sizing die to .461". Slow speed on a hand drill, Oil and checking sized bullets as you work was a less than 1 hour work for me:

http://s30.photobucket.com/user/rhymeswithwhat/media/PC150049_zps1df8b8f0.jpg.html>

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Standard Member

Thomassen posted this 15 December 2013

Gary, Thanks for the info. What is your powder selection and weight for your 1903 Springfield? I've been using 16 grains of Aliant 2400 and am getting similar results as you. Looks like I'm about ready to come on board. I'll keep you all posted.

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Thomassen posted this 15 December 2013

I was originally thinking Lyman, but their setup for sizing and applying gas checks is expensive.

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onondaga posted this 15 December 2013

http://castbulletassoc.org/view_user.php?id=7135>Thomassen

My 1903A3, 30-06 load with the Lee C312-185-1R:

This bullet all up weight in certified Lyman #2 Alloy with 45:45:10 tumble lube and aluminum GC is 180.3 gr. I tumble lube once before size/check at .3105” for this rifle and tumble lube twice after.

Winchester brass, fire formed and Lee Collet Neck Sized, trimmed Lee Zip Trim CCI 200 LR primers 42.0 grains H4831SC COAL-3.100", this bullet contacts throat for a sliding fit on chambering in my rifle. Velocity-2162 fps verified

I shoot 5 different 30 cal molds, this one shoots most accurately from my 1903A3 Springfield and groups less than 1/2 inch at 50 yards. The others will all do 1 inch at 50 Yards with worked up loads but my rifle likes the Lee C312-185-1R best.

http://s30.photobucket.com/user/rhymeswithwhat/media/03sight2.jpg.html>http://castbulletassoc.org/view_topic.php?id=8364&forum_id=63>http://castbulletassoc.org/viewtopic.php?id=8364&forumid=63