Cast bullet sizing.

[Xcobra122]

So, I’m reading up on bullet casting and I’m a little confused about something. Everything I read says cast bullets need to be sized before they can be used. Is that true even if they cast at the correct diameter? For example, if I buy a .459 diameter bullet mold and I want a .459 bullet do I need to do any sizing? Does sizing do something in addition to sizing and that’s why it needs to be done even if the bullet diameter is correct?

 

[greyling22]

If they are dropping what you want them to, they fit in the chamber and cycle, and shoot straight, there is no reason to size them.
I size some, some I don't. Keep in mind that if you buy a .459 mold, it may or may not actually drop .459. it might be a little larger or a little smaller. And if it is a multi cavity mold each cavity might drop a different size.

 

[Xcobra122]

Ok that all makes sense. I guess my best bet would be to go ahead and get the sizer. Better to have and not need than need and not have I suppose. I’m looking at the Lee 500 grain .45-70 mold. It’s a pointed bullet similar to a spitzer but I don’t have to worry about cycling or a tube magazine right now. My rifle is single shot.

 

[theotherwaldo]

Also, each different alloy will drop in a different size.
It's usually easier and safer to size everything rather than mike each and every bullet.

 

[hdbiker]

I've always used LEE bullet molds and find they drop bullets so close to perfect I quit sizing them. hdbiker

 

[Armored farmer]

I've always used LEE bullet molds and find they drop bullets so close to perfect I quit sizing them. hdbiker

Same here.

 

[J-Bar]

Me three.

 

[J-Bar]

I've always used LEE bullet molds and find they drop bullets so close to perfect I quit sizing them. hdbiker

Me too.

edit: sorry about the quasi- double tap but I’m gonna keep it ‘cause I like the likes!!

 

[Dframe]

Depends on your guns bore. I often size mine "just for the lube of it"

 

[reddog81]

I think most manufacturers make the molds so they drop on the larger side. It's easy to size down lead. It's harder to make the bullet larger.

I pretty always take the time to size my cast bullets. Consistency is the key to accuracy. If I'm going to take the time to cast bullets and reload my own ammo, I figure I can take the time to size the bullets so they're all the exact same diameter.

How are you planning on lubing the bullets?

 

[theotherwaldo]

I use Lee molds as well. They drop most bullets almost exactly on size except when I pour them soft.
Many of the other bullets that I use are tumble-lube types that you lube twice, with a run through the sizer in between.
I suppose that I could skip sizing for about half of my bullets but I'd rather be consistent.

 

[Xcobra122]

I think most manufacturers make the molds so they drop on the larger side. It's easy to size down lead. It's harder to make the bullet larger.

I pretty always take the time to size my cast bullets. Consistency is the key to accuracy. If I'm going to take the time to cast bullets and reload my own ammo, I figure I can take the time to size the bullets so they're all the exact same diameter.

How are you planning on lubing the bullets?

Still haven’t decided on the lube yet. Finances being what they are it’s going to take me a while to gather all the equipment I need before I can get started anyway.

 

[AJC1]

Still haven’t decided on the lube yet. Finances being what they are it’s going to take me a while to gather all the equipment I need before I can get started anyway.

It's cheaper to use powdercoat then use the lee sizer than invest in traditional sizing and lubrication equipment

 

[Xcobra122]

It's cheaper to use powdercoat then use the lee sizer than invest in traditional sizing and lubrication equipment

What about the liquid alox? Is that any good?

 

[AJC1]

What about the liquid alox? Is that any good?

Never used it so I cant say

 

[Swampman]

Liquid Alox works well, but it can be messy and takes a long time to dry, especially when it's humid.

Try this stuff instead, it's a mix of Alox, paste wax and mineral spirits. It dries to a waxy finish and isn't sticky like Alox.
It's also a lot cheaper than the stuff sold by Lee.

 

[frankmako]

i use rcbs,lyman,nei, and lee molds. i size all bullets i make. but i size them after i powder coat them.

 

[whughett]

Never used it so I cant say

The past year Liquid Alox is all I use for 38 Special, 44 and 45 ACP and 45C. Various bullet molds and bullet styles but all lubed with liquid Alox sized in A Lee sizer. Note that all these are loaded to target velocities. There is a distinct odor on the firing line.

I also have an RCBS lube/sizer and use it, not often these days, for cast bullets in 357 or 44 Magnum that are hard lubed and gas checked.
I use Berry’s plated for 9MM.

 

[AJC1]

The past year Liquid Alox is all I use for 38 Special, 44 and 45 ACP and 45C. Various bullet molds and bullet styles but all lubed with liquid Alox sized in A Lee sizer. Note that all these are loaded to target velocities. There is a distinct odor on the firing line.

I also have an RCBS lube/sizer and use it, not often these days, for cast bullets in 357 or 44 Magnum that are hard lubed and gas checked.
I use Berry’s plated for 9MM.

I hear it works well and I have the lee tumble lube bullet molds so it's always an option. Powdercoat is so nice looking, maybe just as important as my shiny wet tumbled brass.

 

[Hondo 60]

For example, if I buy a .459 diameter bullet mold and I want a .459 bullet do I need to do any sizing

Short simple answer ... No!

Glad you joined us ... Welcome to the addict .. Oh, hobby, ya, that's the ticket.
Just a hobby.

 

[reddog81]

Liquid Alox works for some people. I tried it in .38 Special and 45 ACP numerous times and couldn’t get anything to work without significant leading.

I switched over to powder coating and had great success immediately. Over the last year I’ve bought a Lyman Lubesizer and been using that extensively because it’s much faster than powder coating. However the upfront cost for the lubesizer is fairly expensive.

 

[FROGO207]

I have used Alox and wax mix before with OK results but powder coating is faster and also works well.

Note: if you powder coat, the Hi Tec coating is the most durable. Also if the bullet is too small a second coat will make it larger diameter.

 

[Xcobra122]

So when you use powder coating, are you using some kind of tumbler to coat the bullets? Then I assume it needs to be baked somehow? I was leaning toward the alox until I learned it stays tacky. It seems counterproductive to me to have a sticky lubricant.

 

[Catpop]

If you going to size, then make it easy on yourself and lube at same time. I use a Lyman 4500 I bought for $80 (used).
If you’re not going to size, the HM alox/ wax/ mineral spirit formula works for me.
I don’t PC.
Just remember, FIT IS KING! Get the fit right and the rest is a piece of cake!
I usually fit .002 to .003 over bore and all is well in MY RUGER BH Land!

 

[Shak3s1977]

So when you use powder coating, are you using some kind of tumbler to coat the bullets? Then I assume it needs to be baked somehow? I was leaning toward the alox until I learned it stays tacky. It seems counterproductive to me to have a sticky lubricant.

I use a plastic tub, like a empty cool whip container. Dump some powder coat in, and some bullets and start shaking. Then I stand them up on non stick aluminum foil. Cook in a toaster oven for about 20 minutes. Size using a push thru Lee Sizer.

Still have to work on a better mounting system for my old single stage lol.