Best alloy to use

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Last Post 20 December 2021
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2frogs posted this 17 October 2021

What is the best alloy if any to try to get the correct diameter from the mold. I hear some may be smaller and or larger. I am wanting to o get a .432 diameter mold if possible for my Henry big boy 44. Thanks.

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CBA Member

RicinYakima posted this 17 October 2021

Lyman is made for Lyman #2 alloy; 90/5/5. RCBS uses Lin-O-Type. Other makers used different standards. For bigger, add more antimony.

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CBA Member

Bud Hyett posted this 18 October 2021

You can also vary weight and diameter by casting temperature. From 760 degrees to 820 degrees, you'll get approximately .001 increase for overall diameter.

For pistol bullets with 4-cavity molds, I crank the temperature up and keep filling and dropping. For rifle molds, I take more time and measure what each mold is dropping that day with a given, known, alloy.

Farm boy from Illinois, living in the magical Pacific Northwest

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