Squashing lead .429" to .423"?

Ray B · Sep 15, 2016

Due to the sparseness of lead bullets for the 404 Jeffery and the wide availability of lead bullets for the .44 Magnum, I'm wondering if anyone has experience in running .429" lead bullets through a .423" sizer/lube die. The reduction of .003" on the bullet side seems like it would be manageable- but I hope someone has tried this so I don't have to re-invent it.

Clayton · Sep 15, 2016

Interesting idea. It'll take a little effort, but it's doable. The end product may not meet your expectations.

IronCowboy · Sep 16, 2016

I've never had luck sizing bullets that far, 6thou diameter, but I do know if you want to go that far, you'll need to do it in multiple steps. Tend to see about 4thou be as far as I can size without things getting wonky, and even then, I do it in 2 steps of 2 thou each.

Ray B · Sep 16, 2016

I think it falls under the category of "possible" but not realistic. the other option would be to set-up the lathe and trim .003" off of the radius. All of that would end up being a lot of work- so I'd be ahead to just get the .423" mould and cast them, actually in the desired weight and be done with it.

thanks for the input- I'm sure it has saved me a lot of frustration.

Clayton · Sep 16, 2016

Old wheel weights aren't as plentiful as they once were. But you're probably gonna get a better bullet casting them.

JimP · Sep 16, 2016

Have you thought about starting with a .41 caliber lead bullet instead of the .429?

It would get you started with a closer diameter.

Bert the Turtle · Sep 17, 2016

I haven't done it with lead bullets but I've done it no problem with 300g XTP bullets. Had a reducing die made by Corbins. Send them a bullet sample and he'll make what you need.

The resultant bullet has the typical blunt handgun bullet shape. My rifle has a fairly short throat, so I have to seat the bullet pretty deep to keep from hitting the lands. My Hornady seating die isn't designed to seat a bullet that deep so I had to do some finagling to make it work, but I've got it working. The resultant round looks goofy with so little bullet sticking out of the case, but it works fine. As inexpensive and readily available as 300g XTPs are, I think it is worthwhile.

I load to about 1700 FPS for a practice load. Actually looking forward to trying it on deer this year. I've sent cases and bullets to Lee to get a collet die made so I can whip up practice loads easier. No need for sizing the cases (at least often) when loaded light and the collet die obviates the need to lube the cases. It should be easier to seat the bullet since I've got them custom making the die specifically for that bullet.

The next exercise will be to work up a full-recoil practice load. I'm planning 400g paper patched. But that's a story for another day.

Bert the Turtle · Sep 17, 2016

Ray B said:
I think it falls under the category of "possible" but not realistic. the other option would be to set-up the lathe and trim .003" off of the radius. All of that would end up being a lot of work- so I'd be ahead to just get the .423" mould and cast them, actually in the desired weight and be done with it.

thanks for the input- I'm sure it has saved me a lot of frustration.

I agree that for a cast bullet you are better off getting the correct mold made in the size and shape you want and being done with it.

Gert Odendaal · Sep 18, 2016

I have a .423" mold but use .458" gas checks to make .423" gas checks from, it is more available . It is extremely difficult to get hold of .423" gas checks(impossible) that is why I resort to using .458 " gas checks to make .423' gas checks...but I really think you need to purchase a good quality .423" mold ..and resize your .458 " gas checks...I know some guys use .429 gas checks for making the 423 " gas checks..

Squashing lead .429" to .423"?

Ray B

Clayton

IronCowboy

Ray B

Clayton

JimP

Bert the Turtle

Bert the Turtle

Gert Odendaal

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