Where does a person find molds for the 500 and 475 linebaughs? Where can i find molds heavier than 300 grains in 44 caliber? Why are most molds in the gas check type?

Thanks

Ballisti-cast has several moulds for the .475 and .500 calibers in LBT designs. They also have heavy-weight .44 and .45 caliber moulds. Although in my experience the .44 does not handle bullets over 320 grains as well as the various .45's.

http://www.ballisti-cast.com/index.htm

Gas checks are a device to protect the bullets base from the cutting effect of the hot expanding propellent gas and the rotational forces(obturation) exerted on the bullet by the rifling. Both of which cause leading. Gas check bullet designs usually are more consistently accurate over x number of shots and show less velocity(derive pressure) variation. However, this is not always the case as I have some firearms that perform better with bullet designs the do not use gas checks. I'm sure many others have guns with the similar preference. But in the scope of my experience gas checked bullets are better performers. Especially in heavy revolver loads.
A good source to learn a great deal about the hows and whys of cast bullets and bullet casting is, Jacketed Performance With Cast Bullets, by Veral Smith. Sixgunner.com has a link(bottom of main page) to obtain copies.

http://www.sixgunner.com/

[ 12-02-2002, 10:24: Message edited by: DavidReed ]

[ 12-02-2002, 10:24: Message edited by: DavidReed ]

Lee makes an mold for the .475 its a 400 grain lfn excellent bullet in a not so excellent mold. My .500s are all ballistic cast. Lyman and rcbs also make excellent molds for the .44 and .45 as does saeco and nei.

quote:

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Originally posted by DavidReed:
Ballisti-cast has several moulds for the .475 and .500 calibers in LBT designs. They also have heavy-weight .44 and .45 caliber moulds. Although in my experience the .44 does not handle bullets over 320 grains as well as the various .45's.

http://www.ballisti-cast.com/index.htm

Gas checks are a device to protect the bullets base from the cutting effect of the hot expanding propellent gas and the rotational forces(obturation) exerted on the bullet by the rifling. Both of which cause leading. Gas check bullet designs usually are more consistently accurate over x number of shots and show less velocity(derive pressure) variation. However, this is not always the case as I have some firearms that perform better with bullet designs the do not use gas checks. I'm sure many others have guns with the similar preference. But in the scope of my experience gas checked bullets are better performers. Especially in heavy revolver loads.
A good source to learn a great deal about the hows and whys of cast bullets and bullet casting is, Jacketed Performance With Cast Bullets, by Veral Smith. Sixgunner.com has a link(bottom of main page) to obtain copies.

http://www.sixgunner.com/

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i have been forced to start casting my own bullets ,balisti-cast has a nice selection of moulds i ordered a 460 -305-425 (3) moulds the 460 they redo one of there moulds to get this size.i have not started casting yet,the 460 &425 are (gc) gas check the 305 is (pb) plainbase. got to expensive to keep buying cp or bt bullets the moulds are not cheap,but i have been told the best or close to it.good luck the cast forum seems to have people who know what there talking about