Lead Bullets

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February 21st, 2016, 07:03 AM
MikePal

Lead Bullets

With the purchase of my new Musketoon, I've been stocking supplies up to get ready for the spring on the range.

First, picked up 50 bullets from Track of the Wolf; about $1 a piece: $42 US ( $58 CND)

Yesterday I was able to pick up approx 40lbs of lead (Scuba Divers belts) at an estate auction for $15.

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p...psv5zbjjvk.jpg

I got the 510gr bullet press/mould as an accessory with the Musket. I already own stuff for melting the lead etc for my .45 Kentucky so no additional costs for these new bullets and 'Hobby' time doesn't count. :)

From the lead I picked up, I should be able to make: 14 bullets to the pound (7000 gr to the lb / 500 gr) x 40 lbs = 560 bullets. Drops the price down to about $0.03 a piece.

This DIY project will sure pay off !!
February 21st, 2016, 10:59 AM
boogaloo

Good score on the divers weights Mike. Gotta avoid the wheel weights that some use, they contain too much antimony that makes them too hard to swage into the rifling properly. I got a bucket full of fishing sinkers I pick up when I can find 'em.:goodstuff:....................Daniel
February 21st, 2016, 06:42 PM
standup

even adding a bit of tin for mold fill (a common practice) will have those minnies smaking the paper sideways if they're thick base as intended for that gun. It was considered the "magnum" of the day. Are you going to size em round to land dia, if I recall is 575?
February 21st, 2016, 06:58 PM
MikePal

From what I've read there is no need to size them...Parker Hale recommends (owners manual) the Lyman 575-213 mould and this provides the right skirt/cup for this barrel (.577)

I've watched some video's on You tube and the accuracy of these guns, using these Minies, is pretty impressive.
February 21st, 2016, 08:35 PM
standup

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikePal

From what I've read there is no need to size them...Parker Hale recommends (owners manual) the Lyman 575-213 mould and this provides the right skirt/cup for this barrel (.577)

I've watched some video's on You tube and the accuracy of these guns, using these Minies, is pretty impressive.

They are very accurate
February 22nd, 2016, 07:48 AM
Fox

What is the hardness on those belts? That is somewhere I never thought to look for lead.
February 22nd, 2016, 08:23 AM
standup

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fox

What is the hardness on those belts? That is somewhere I never thought to look for lead.

Oh they're dead pure. I dove enough and shot c&b enough to have a handle on that. Usually if you can sing a thumbnail it's pure
February 22nd, 2016, 08:24 AM
standup

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikePal

From what I've read there is no need to size them...Parker Hale recommends (owners manual) the Lyman 575-213 mould and this provides the right skirt/cup for this barrel (.577)

I've watched some video's on You tube and the accuracy of these guns, using these Minies, is pretty impressive.

I found if I sized mine if only for the purpose of uniforming my accuracy climbed
February 22nd, 2016, 11:37 AM
MikePal

Quote:

Originally Posted by standup

I found if I sized mine if only for the purpose of uniforming my accuracy climbed

Accuracy of an Infantry Carbine is somewhat subjective :)

The barrel is .577 and the bullet is a .575, .002 undersized.

The design of these Minie's really negates the need to size your bullet as the cup is very deep and the lead 'skirt' is soft enough to flare out into the groves on ignition.

This is a pic of the cup and a .45 cal ball....you can see how low into the cup the ball sits, the cup captures the blast and forces the side walls out.

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p...pslnfypgn2.jpg

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p...psf2tjzqor.jpg
February 22nd, 2016, 12:58 PM
standup

1 Attachment(s)

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikePal

Accuracy of an Infantry Carbine is somewhat subjective :)

The barrel is .577 and the bullet is a .575, .002 undersized.

The design of these Minie's really negates the need to size your bullet as the cup is very deep and the lead 'skirt' is soft enough to flare out into the groves on ignition.

This is a pic of the cup and a .45 cal ball....you can see how low into the cup the ball sits, the cup captures the blast and forces the side walls out.

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p...pslnfypgn2.jpg

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p...psf2tjzqor.jpg

Oh I get how a minie works. That's not a thick enough skirt for the loads that gun was meant to take. If you're mild loading that tank your fine with the thin skirt. If it's being loaded as intended you'll flare that skirt upon muzzle exit and accuracy will crash. You got to take a bit of a shove to do many of what's in this pic but it is the intended. I know I sound like justin with the word "robust" but, for light (not what that gun was intended for) loads you may do OKAY. Fire as intended and your thin skirt combined with a grease grove hinge point so close to bottom will flare it. Think of it this way Mike. You said the base design is to flare to fit bore, right? well don't think that paper skirt will immediately stop flaring as gases escape muzzle
Attachment 32150
February 22nd, 2016, 01:29 PM
MikePal

Thanks for your insight and if I have a problem with the accuracy I will consider it a possible cause.

But for my initial shooting I will trust the wisdom of the gun/barrel designers that recommend the 505 gr hollow base Minie. As I mentioned I have seen some YouTube videos with this Musket, using those bullets and there appears to be no problem with accuracy.

I guess I'll have to wait and see for myself once the spring gets here.