I am a new reloader and would like to start loading cast bullets for light recoil target/plinking loads. The rifles that I use are .243 and lever action .30-30.

My primary interest in cast bullets is from my understanding that they are considerably less expensive to purchase than jacketed bullets and also result in less barrel wear. Shoot more cost less, etc.

I'd appreciate some guidance in determining what I should look for in cast bullets, where to find them and where I can find good sources of cast bullet load recipes (with an emphasis on low recoil target loads).

Thanks,

Jim

Check with this forums owner for some of the best cast bullets on the market. Most dealers, Midway, Midsouth and Natchez shooters supply have a large selection of cast bullets. But again, why not buy a set of molds and learn to do your own.

Lucky for you, you found the Bearthooth forums....for the target loads, just click on the selection offered here. Have used them, and can honestly say that after 40 years of cassting, they are as good as my A+ efforts.

Thanks guys. I looked at the Beartooth web site and they certainly do appear to have what I need. However, for the .30-30 bullets I have options to select sizing diameters between .309 up to .311. I assumed that there would be one size for each caliber. How can I tell what diameter I need?

You should be fine with .309 bullets in a .30/30. Most authorities recommend that cast bullets be sized .001" over groove diameter, so a .309 is just right for a .308 bore. You could experiment with .310's if you want, but for plinking and short range target shooting I would just go with the .309's.

Also, I have had good luck seating .309 cast bullets in my .30/30 and .30/06 without the use of a neck expander, by putting a very good chamfer on the case mouth, starting the bullet carefully and seating with gentle pressure. If you went with a larger diameter bullet you would need to bell the case mouth with an expander die to avoid shaving lead.

What brand of .30-30 do you have?

That's a key. Many of the lever guns, like the Marlins, seem to shoot a little better with the bullet about 0.002" over groove diameter. My m.1895 does.

Guys, Thanks. I'll go ahead and order some .309's for now and see how they shoot and also hopefully be able to seat the bullet without having to use a neck expander. If .309's don't give me the accuracy I was looking for I will step up to .310.

By the way, my .30-30 is an early 1980's Winchester 94 top eject.

Jim

To determine the diameter of the lead bullets for your 30-30 you need to "slug" your barrel. http://www.lasc.us/Brennan_2-1_MeasuringGunDimensions.htm. It's easier to do than described here, and you will know exactly what your gun's bore size is. From there you can purchase bullets .001" to .002" larger than bore size.

Thanks guys. One final question. Do I need to be concerned with making sure my bullets are gas checked? I'm just looking for target/plinking at his stage.

Whether you need a gas check depends on the velocity you will be getting. Up to 1100-1200 fps or so, you probably can get along without a gas check, but for higher velocities you should use one. I always use gas checks in my .30's, running about 1500 fps velocity.

If you need one and don't use one, your bore will get a nice coat of lead and accuracy will go south.

Handloading 30-30 with cast bullets is a really good idea!

Regarding your .243 rifle, be carefull with your load. Indeed .243 is a high speed cartridge, and cast bullets don't have to go over 600m/s, oops...sorry 1900ft/s!
Otherwise, you will get accuracy problems and leading....And of course, gas check is mandatory!