Figured I’d get more action here than the Cast section. Anyone work with heavier cast bullets in the 9.3?
I’m looking at buying some of Missouri Bullet Co.’s 270 gr coated bullets for practice and plinking in my 9.3s. I saw John mentioned The Load of 13.0 gr of Red Dot in my Gack book and further research led me to Harris’ mention of 16 gr of 2400. I also found Hodgdon’s 60% rule for reduced loads of H4895.
I’ve never worked with cast in rifles before (apart from .44 Mag) and am looking for suggestions on the best starting place for that particular 270 gr bullet. Any help would be appreciated.
Also, anyone have an idea on the velocity limit for such bullets to avoid leading?
If you use a reasonably strong alloy (maybe ~16-20 Bhn) and a gas check with a properly sized bullet, your velocity limit is whatever pressure the rifle will handle. Powder coating (and still using a gas check) makes that even easier with more wiggle room for accuracy and no fooling around trying different bullet lubes. You can get there with powder coating and no gas check too, but have to be more careful with alloy and size. HiTek coating like Missouri uses is OK but a step down in my experience, but still easier to work with than wax lubed lead.
Most of my cast bullet rifle loads are full power loads with the same powders as jacketed bullets, not reduced stuff with Trail Boss, Red Dot, etc. 3,000 fps is no problem. I don't know if that's what you're wanting to do with those Missouri bullets, but you could if you want to.
Paper patching the same bullets works well too, and is easy to get good accuracy, but it takes more prep time. Not much need if they're already coated though.
I can't suggest other specific bullets or loads for the 9.3 though, as my closest thing is the 35 Whelen; similar but not the same.