Casting 50 cal bullets, what works best? - The Firearms Forum

JimInMontana · 09-06-2009, 04:42 AM

I liked casting bullets for my 50 cal hawken, but I lost my mold. Was using a LEE model for conicals that was not supposed to need a patch, called the R.E.A.L. muzzleloader bullet, but it needed a patch of t-shirt material anyway to get the bullet tight. Was accurate, but the patch thing was a bummer. What has worked for you? My gun likes short conicals, not balls. Hit a standing doe in the head at 60 yards and it was game over. Thanks.

Hammerslagger · 09-06-2009, 08:18 AM

If the projectile is under-size to the bore you need a patch. If it fits the bore well without a patch it is harder to load and fouling builds up quicker. I prefer a patch for accuracy and reducing bore fouling..

jjmitchell60 · 09-06-2009, 11:15 AM

Patching is best but have you tried minnie balls. They are not actual ball but a conical bullet that has a hole in the base. It is made to go down the barrel easy but when fired the hole in the base of the bullet lets the lead flare out to grab the rifling of the barrel. Then there are the saboted bullets and power belt style bullets as well.

armedandsafe · 09-07-2009, 07:30 PM

The problem I had with the REAL bullet was a too tight fit. This was so in all three of my rifles. When they fit right, they do scrub (most of) the fouling out with each shot.

I've been using the power belts and am happy with them Balls are more accurate, but the PB are accurate enough.

I havent used minnies, yet, so can't comment on them with MY rifles. I have shot minnies in somebody else's rifle and they were very accurate. Historically, they are a very good bullet. Up until this year, my state hasn't allowed saboted bullets for hunting, so I haven't tried them, either.

In casting ball, minnies or REAL, make sure you are using the softest lead you can get.

Pops

09-06-2009, 04:42 AM	#1
JimInMontana Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Helena, MT Posts: 5	Casting 50 cal bullets, what works best? I liked casting bullets for my 50 cal hawken, but I lost my mold. Was using a LEE model for conicals that was not supposed to need a patch, called the R.E.A.L. muzzleloader bullet, but it needed a patch of t-shirt material anyway to get the bullet tight. Was accurate, but the patch thing was a bummer. What has worked for you? My gun likes short conicals, not balls. Hit a standing doe in the head at 60 yards and it was game over. Thanks. --> Last edited by JimInMontana; 09-06-2009 at 04:43 AM.. Reason: spelling

09-06-2009, 08:18 AM	#2
Hammerslagger Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,099	Re: Casting 50 cal bullets, what works best? If the projectile is under-size to the bore you need a patch. If it fits the bore well without a patch it is harder to load and fouling builds up quicker. I prefer a patch for accuracy and reducing bore fouling..

09-06-2009, 11:15 AM	#3
jjmitchell60 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Raised in Buzzard Roost near Frog Town in hillls of Kentucky Contributor Posts: 1,471	Re: Casting 50 cal bullets, what works best? Patching is best but have you tried minnie balls. They are not actual ball but a conical bullet that has a hole in the base. It is made to go down the barrel easy but when fired the hole in the base of the bullet lets the lead flare out to grab the rifling of the barrel. Then there are the saboted bullets and power belt style bullets as well. __________________ Oath Keepers NOT ON OUR WATCH www.oathkeepers.org 2nd Amendment to the US Constitution: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." -- Benjamin Franklin When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes Duty... Thomas Jefferson

09-07-2009, 07:30 PM	#4
armedandsafe Former Guest Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Moses Lake, WA Posts: 10,344	Re: Casting 50 cal bullets, what works best? The problem I had with the REAL bullet was a too tight fit. This was so in all three of my rifles. When they fit right, they do scrub (most of) the fouling out with each shot. I've been using the power belts and am happy with them Balls are more accurate, but the PB are accurate enough. I havent used minnies, yet, so can't comment on them with MY rifles. I have shot minnies in somebody else's rifle and they were very accurate. Historically, they are a very good bullet. Up until this year, my state hasn't allowed saboted bullets for hunting, so I haven't tried them, either. In casting ball, minnies or REAL, make sure you are using the softest lead you can get. Pops