Good winter project for a hunter sitting it out.

From the last HHC door prize grab a relatively rare 6mm 99gr. mould. I’ve wanted to try casting for 6mm but it is not very popular. Most moulds in that diameter are of the Loverin design that is supposed to work well using special techniques. The benchrest cast bullet shooters are that mould’s origin to begin. It’s one of those that have a short nose and a whole bunch of lube grooves. It’s just a real UGLY bullet, no matter the performance, very off putting. This bullet looks more conventional and I’ve read some have reported stabilization issues from some rifles.

I have a 6mm Ackley Improved that would be fun and this should do well in it. What I really am interested in though is the .240 Banshee handgun. When I tested it I was a little surprised at the very high velocities for the bullet weight in that tiny case. One max load of H110 gave well over 2000 fps for a 87 gr. bullet from the 13” barrel. That’s double the .22 Hornet’s bullet weight at basically the same handgun velocity. Since cast is slicker, I’d wager the 99 gr. cast FNGC can get close enough. Hopefully the accuracy will be there. Overall I have read some trickery in play to get the .243 cast to do well, compared to other calibers.

I’ve found the .24 cal. gas checks and will need to get a .244 H&I die or LEE .243” kit (why does Lee do that, .244” should be standard). I like the Lyman 450 sizer but get lots of bullet bending and shearing. Even with the correct nose punch, you really have to slow down. The LEE kit is almost too easy with the “Star type” push through sizing. I’ll just paint them in lieu of lube.

Even rifle shooters are reporting velocities of only 1800-2000 fps for their cast bullets from rifles. That is a real line in the sand I have to test.

These Hornady 75 gr. ran 2265 fps from the 13" Contender but didn't open up much, maybe a hunting bullet would expand some.