Home Forums Reloading Bullet Casting Exploding cast bullets?

There was a gun show this weekend.

I was on the prowl for some local affordable cast bullets for my .44 mag. Selection was very limited. It was an interesting show. IDK. I thought there had been a election and I missed my chance to vote. Local unrest would seem to be high.

Anyway, I find a box of 200gr .430. The lady tells me I don't want to shoot them in my Mag because they'll fly apart coming out of the barrel ?????? They're made for the .44-40. So I said I'd shoot them out of my .44-40.

Every heard that one?

LAFFIN ! I have shot 100s of cast bullets from 180-330 gr from several 44 magnums ranging from .428-.431. None came apart. Just be sure the lube is correct for the velocity you plan and that a loaded .430 bulleted cartridge will fit in your cylinder.

I use the Lee LEE90285 Double Cavity Bullet Mold - 429-200-RF in my 44 with Unique or Trail Boss all the time for a "plinking load". Just cast em', tumble lube them in Lee lube, shove thru a Lee .429 sizing die and bang away. No fancy bullet metal either, just salvaged wheel weights.

Considering that selling reloading supplies are her trade, I find the "advice" disappointing. Great lady, but I'm guessing she doesn't use much of her product.

I just loaded up a 100 in front of 7.7gr Trail Boss (.44 mag). They are indeed very hard. I can't imagine why that would make them more appropriate for a .44-40 than a Magnum? I don't have a BHN tester, but I can't scratch them with my finger nail. It's a Ruger, I don't think it will be impressed.

I'm off to the range. If you never here from me again, you'll know what happened.

If they are VERY hard, and undersize, they may lead from gas blowby.

If she knew so little about her product, I think I would have moved on.
(bullet lube made with valve grinding compound ? )

Always a good idea to slug your bore AND chamber mouth before buying anyone's cast bullets (or buying a mold).

45 Colts are famous for chambers smaller than bores and there is even a business in making reamers or gunsmithing to fix this.

Never had an issue with my 29s or 329 in 44 Mag.

I've been buying brass from her for years. I like supporting local business. She partnered up with someone else who makes the product locally. Without shipping, prices are about 25% below the lowest I have found, even on line.

The bullets are good. I'd say I have been through a couple thousand of them in various calibers over the past six months.

Anyway, they didn't explode. I ran 100 rounds without leading.

It was probably something she repeated from one of the many wise men you run into at gun shows. I knew they were fine. I just couldn't help share my amusement.

Glad it turned out well!

Sometimes when you are at a gunshow you need to use the restroom.
Almost anybody can watch the table for you when you need to go real bad!
whelennut