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February 4, 2009
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Hey guys,
As I started loading a few more rounds tonight, I am sitting here staring at a box of 500 Laser-Cast 240gr SWC bullets that I acquired with my 744. I've never used any type of cast bullets before, but have read many cases of leading issues with higher velocity loads (although Laser-Cast insists this won't happen). Does anyone have any personal experience with these particular bullets in a 44 mag?
Cleaning lead out of a barrel doesn't sound too exciting to me and I would rather unload these things than use them, if I can expect problems from use or have to load very light. It would be nice to find a way to save a few extra bucks in order to get more/cheaper practice in, but not at the expense of a barrel. Nothing but jacketed bullets will be sent down the pipe of the Supermags- this is only a consideration for the 744.
I would appreciate any opinions that you guys may have.
February 4, 2009
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Bueller?.....................Bueller? LOL
OK, I found some info online last night and have contacted the factory requesting info as well. I suppose I will try the recipe I found since it should cost next to nothing to load these. If they shoot like crap, at least I will only have about $.05 a shot into them.
I suppose with these hard cast bullets, leading should be at a minimum. I will start around 1050fps and determine if leading is present, if not, I will bump them up about 50fps at a time. There appears to be a point at which too low of a velocity will give leading issues also.
I still have a lot to learn. At least I know I won't have to worry as much about overpressure on these since they will be relatively weak- If nothing else, it should help my flinching issues. I just can't stand having free bullets and not knowing what to do with them- I suppose I could have worse problems to overcome. Now that I think about it, it is a little sad that the 744 has become the black sheep / test platform- maybe I should go buy a Ruger or something so the 744 doesn't have to sit at the back of the bus, so to speak.
I will report back with results for anyone who may have an interest in using these cast bullets.
December 17, 2008
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Hey CDF, pick up a spare barrel for that "little fella", clearly identify it and use it as your test bed. Less than a Ruger, guilt free and you always have your DW in your hand for consistent practice! 
February 4, 2009
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You know Dusty,
Sometimes the most obvious actions are the most easily overlooked. I think I've been shooting indoors too long and have brain-damage or something.
Thanks for the perfect solution.
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November 17, 2008
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CDF, I cast most all my own and have never had a leading problem. But I do keep the cast stuff to around 1000 fps or less. good luck. Also if you know the hardness of the bullets it will help determine how fast you can pump them up.
Wisdom is merely the realization of how little one knows, therefore I am wise.
February 4, 2009
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Thanks for the heads-up lbruce- I appreciate it.
From what I have read, the hardness of the Laser-Cast bullets are around 24BH and are quite a bit harder than most cast bullets. Due to the hardness of these bullets, I am under the impression that loading them weak will likely give me just as many leading problems (and potentially more) as loading too hot due to a lack of appropriate sealing in the bore.
Fortunately, the free Laser-Cast bullets also came with some free Cast Performance LBT's with gas checks. At least I know what I should be able to do with the gas checked bullets.
I guess that's why it is called load testing.
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November 17, 2008
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I am no expert, but if the bullets are a 24 on the BH scale, you should be able to let em rip.
Wisdom is merely the realization of how little one knows, therefore I am wise.
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