Our bullets are the best, or so each bullet maker claims.

What would be an interesting thread would be one featuring cast bullet testing. Frequently seen and read about with hunting bullets.

Example:

44 magnum - pick one cast bullet size and type.
Let's say 240 grain SWC.
Take 5 to 10 from several different manufacturers.
Load them the same; same brass, same powder, same primers, same seating depth.
Shoot groups of 5 from the same gun, using the same rest, same general conditions.
Same distance, 25 yards would be a good one.

Report results, including gun used.....I believe it would be a good guide.

Like most of this type of testing it is more a compatability of bullet to a particular barrel and may have a totaly diferent result with another barrel.
Cast bullets more so than jacketed are more prone to particular fitting to individual barrel specifics and a test as indicated may not convey much information relevant to another gun.

Von Gruff.

Now you are complicating the issue.....even jacketed bullets may react differently to different barrels.....

The result of this type of testing is not intended to reach a scientific unqualified conclusion, but to serve as a guide.

I would assume that the diameter of the bullets used would be the correct diameter for the gun being used for the test.

It sure beats taking the bullet maker's hype that his is the "best" bullet.

When it comes to cast bullets, FIT IS KING!! Slug your barrel at both ends and run one slug through the full length of the bore (in a revolver slug the cylinder throats as well). Once you know what your firearm needs get (or cast) a slug that is between one and three thou. larger than your firearm's throat. On a revolver, if your throats are smaller than your bore expect the gun to lead.

quote:

Originally posted by R D McMillan:
When it comes to cast bullets, FIT IS KING!! Slug your barrel at both ends and run one slug through the full length of the bore (in a revolver slug the cylinder throats as well). Once you know what your firearm needs get (or cast) a slug that is between one and three thou. larger than your firearm's throat. On a revolver, if your throats are smaller than your bore expect the gun to lead.

Good advice and well taken.....but once you have that done, and I have done it with my revolvers, the test I suggested can be of value.

I would try this test if I had a machine rest for pistol or a 44 cal rifle. It would inherently depend on the shooter skills. I do not have a 44 any more but do have several 357's. I will do a sandbagged test on 158 swc's if someone sends sends them to me unsized or sized to .359,GC or not as I cast my own.

quote:

Originally posted by R D McMillan:
When it comes to cast bullets, FIT IS KING!! Slug your barrel at both ends and run one slug through the full length of the bore (in a revolver slug the cylinder throats as well). Once you know what your firearm needs get (or cast) a slug that is between one and three thou. larger than your firearm's throat. On a revolver, if your throats are smaller than your bore expect the gun to lead.

A cast bullet should fit the throats, not be larger. They should push thru the throats with a bit of force, but not too much. I think you are confusing throat's with the forcing cone of the barrel. Also idealy, the bullets should then be groove diameter, or no more then .001 larger then groove dia.

OOOP's---Absolutly right! Light press fit it is!