Reeder Custom Guns - Cast Bullet Reloading Data

Can anyone recommend a good reloading manual that shows cast bullet loading data. I have several bullet moulds from Lee, RCBS and Lyman but can not find reliable loading data. The major bullet companies o course primarily show their own jacketed bullet data.

have their own bullets so they show all of them including lead bullets. They also show loads that duplicate factory specs and the load that they found the most accurate.

usually has several cast bullet loads listed with velocity and pressures. Also, the powder companies typically have download files with some cast bullet listings. Check their specific websites. BE VERY WEARY of any load you find on any website listed by individuals. It's your butt.

Gary's recommendation is tops, the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook.

Handbook. The standard 50th anniversary Lyman reloading manual also lists a lot of cast bullet loads, even has cast bullet loads for almost every rifle caliber.

No reason to waste money on the cast bullet manual. Buy the full edition in hardback.

I have reloaded for more than 40 years, but just got interested in casting my own bullets for handguns. I have also found that some of the loading data in new edition manuals is much more conservative than the loads listed in manuals 30-40 years ago. I have been pretty much stymied by lack of data for cast bullets. My old standard powders seem to be forgotten for new powders that I have never even heard of. I plan to stick to my old standard powders that have worked fine for me since the 1970’s. I guess that’s what happens when you are an old fart like me.

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I find they work as good as they ever did. I do enjoy a few new ones such as Longshot, CFE Pistol, Silhouette and a few others.

They provide near H110 performance with half the powder and blast.

I use those 3 more than any. I have a large quantity of Military Surplus H110 (WC820) that I use in the 41 Magnum .. but I don't shoot it as much as those other 3.

If you are going to learn to cast bullets, you wasn't Lyman cast bullet handbook #3 and #4. #4 is in print. #3 you will have to find used.

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I started reloading in the 1960's. From what I read there have been great improvements in some things. But I am happy with what I have been using for many years. My loads are still accurate. They will still drop game if I do my part. I don't need more than that.

new powders that are serious improvements. I try to keep an open mind. Longshot impressed me in both semi-auto performance and shotgun loads. My 10 ga. loads shot up 200 fps at the same pressures. From 1200 to 1400 fps 2-1/4 oz. load, that is impressive! The BP substitute 777 increased my C&B velocity about 150 fps (750 to 900 fps) in the very limited capacity.

I shot some big rifle (.416 Rigby) using a Hodgdon powder called H1000, it did really well. I have not tried that Retumbo as of yet but I really like the name!

Back when I began loading handguns all you needed was Unique and 2400, maybe some of those "Dot" shotgun powders for fun. (We shot Blue Dot in our hot .357's) The W296 stuff was sort of new and strange.

I know there are many "new" powders out there and I may get around to find some that I like. It makes it fun for me, when I find the time. It is easier many times to just go with what you know and find comfortable, it's sort of like an old trusted friend. Good searching!

I just don't do it anymore.

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I aspire to mimic many of your attitudes. I've always watched my respected and Godly elders, hoping to soak up some of that wisdom, I'll take that over more formal education anytime. Still I seem to learn many things via trial and error, but I try to reduce it. Perhaps slowly I'll flip the ratio.

I annoyed the hell out of Lee Jurras with endless questions about loads and bullets. He told me early on to stick with 296/H-110 for my magnum level loads and Unique or 2400 for the next step down. At the time in his Super Vel loads he was using 295 which is very close to 296 and is not available over the counter, but gives me a slightly faster load. He sent me an 8 lb jug of it and I rationed it out like a miser. Once it was gone, I stayed with 296 or H-110 (same stuff) as it was easier to get. I also added 4227 to my list of favored powders. He also pointed me in the direction of Sierra bullets, of which he mostly used in his Super Vel revolver loads.To this day I still believe the Sierra 41 and 44 bullets are the finest on the market along with Hornady bullets. If I could only use those 2 brands of bullets I would be happy. Thru the years I ventured into the 357 caliber silhouette bullets in my 356 GNR and 358 GNR. They are great for the bigger bull elk size critters.

In my 41 GNR, the 41 caliber Silhouette bullets have taken several tons of game for me and most with one shot if I did my job. I was running low a couple of years back and as the 41 caliber silhouette bullets by Sierra or Hornady are no longer made, I was whining on the forum here. A couple of days later I got a 25 lb package in loaded with boxes and boxes of the silhouette bullets. John Taffin saved my hide again.
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Since those days in the 70s I have pretty much stayed with the powders I listed above. They work and I see no real reason to change. I do get some flak from the young shooters who only see 296/H-110 or 4227 in my loading manual. They think I should have at least 10 different powders. But I figure if it works with one or 2 powders, why stray from that. My personal opinion. That and $11.25 will get you a cup of Starbucks coffee.

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