where to get 220 gr hardcast bullets

Started by JBS27572, January 25 2023 08:00:57 PM MST

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JBS27572

Does anyone know where to get some that actually weigh 220 gr?  I've read that Rimrock's are more like 212 gr.  I bought some HP bullets from GT bullets that are close (217 gr) but GT doesn't sell flat nose bullets of that weight; only the HP's.

sqlbullet

#1
You will probably have to cast your own.  That level of QC is out of scope for volume makers.

Bullet molds advertised weight is usually for 20:1 or WW (96-3-1).  Hardcast alloys from commercial vendors usually have more antimony to boost hardness but will reduce density and therefore weight.  In addition, lead density drops about 5% between 650F and 750F, so the weight of a 220 grain bullet could vary as much as 11 grains depending on when lead was last added to the pot.

I will add that you won't get that accuracy or target with off-the-shelf casting equipment either.  You will probably need a PID controller for you pot temperature, and you would need to beagle the molds until you get that weight with your target alloy.  You will need molds that are drilled for a temp probe in the mold and that temp probe would might need to feed a PID that controls a pre-heat hotplate for the mold.  Also, you would need to a consistent source of the same certified alloy. 

There is a reason why old school target shooters used swaged wadcutters.  Swaging alloys you to cut the core to weight before you form it into a bullet.  Same think happens with jacketed bullets.  They are formed via a pressure process and that allows weight control that is not feasible at production rates with liquid metal.

JBS27572

Thanks for clarifying that for me.  I wondered why commercial hardcast bullets were that far off when most fmj or tmj bullets were good within a few tenths of a grain. 3 grains isn't a big deal for me though they really should advertise them as 217 gr just for "truth in advertising" purposes.  If GT would make some hardcast flat points, I would buy them.  They told me that wasn't in their future plans though.  I pulled one from a Buffalo Bore 220 gr (but just one) and it was a legit 220 gr.  Maybe someone more influential than I could get them to offer just the projectile for reloaders.

As I said in a previous post, I am going to get into casting but it may take me a month or two to round up the equipment and learn how before I turn out something with any quality.

JBS27572

I can find 200 gr molds but nothing heavier in 10 mm.  Can you cast 41 cal bullets and resize them to 0.401 without shaving or losing metal?  Can you add a gas check to the bottom after casting to add some weight or do gas checks need to be included when casting?

Sorry for the dumb questions. 

The_Shadow

#4
JBS27572  you may want to check with MP molds  https://www.mp-molds.com/

NOE molds  https://noebulletmolds.com/site/product-category/401/

You can contact them and ask about making the mold you want or ask about no lube groove that might add the desired weight

Arsenal Molds  http://arsenalmolds.com/bullet-molds?limit=99999999999

My RCBS 200 grain mold drops at 208 grain with wheel Weights


The "10mm" I'm Packin', Has The Bullets Wackin', Smakin' & The Slide is Rackin' & Jackin'!
NRA Life Member
Southeast, LoUiSiAna

JBS27572

Thanks.  Don't cast bullets need that lube groove so as to not cause leading?  Does that liquid alox work as well as conventional lube because I see that one coats the entire bullet so maybe wouldn't need the groove.

I will look into MP molds and the others as you suggested.


JBS27572

Is your mold 0.401?  I see some heavier molds advertised at 0.403.  Are those close enough to be able to be sized to 0.401 with a die?

DDRiller

Accurate molds has a bunch of 220 grain molds.  Go to his website and pick your poison.  He makes good molds.

JBS27572


JBS27572

DDriller - could you take a look at the 40-220B and 40-220P molds on Accurate Molds' page and tell me if I am interpreting them correctly.  It looks like the B mold has 2 lube grooves and the P has 1 lube groove.  What would be the advantage of 2 lube grooves over 1?  If the lube is doing what it is supposed to, you shouldn't need more than one with a pistol bullet, right?  Am I being too simplistic or incorrectly interpreting the pictures?  Do I even need a lube groove at all if I am using the liquid Alox or powder coating (mold #40-220R)?

I love this site.  Pretty much anything anyone could want and prices are quite reasonable I think.

All of you have been very helpful.  Thanks.  I should probably order a book on casting before I start trying to cast.

DDRiller

For powder coating or Alox either will work.  Some people prefer more lube groves for conventional lube. 

Current Resident

I'm not a newbie by any mean but the 220 grain slug. What are you loading this round for? Does it have any advantage for hunting or is this a round for competition? Power factor, Unicorns ???? Do I need this in my inventory?

Current Resident

Whoops, I just saw the next thread that explains it. Sorry folks.

Current Resident



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