I have a 9.3 X 62 that has a headspace problem. My smith tells me its not really a big deal, I just need to load some cast lead bullets out to the lands and fire form the cases - stretch the brass slightly - and then just neck size the brass from then on. OK, I can do that - anyone know where I can get some cast bullets? I've never shot any before - any things I need to be aware of? Does this cause excessive fouling compared to jacketed bullets?

(also posted on Reloading forum)

If you're concerned at any aspect of this, just let your smith do it for you. Basically, most rifle bullets for modern calibers are cast medium to medium hard. The only major fouling you'll get would be from the lube on the bullet itself. Your load would be with a FAST powder that launches the bullet at maybe 1300-1500 f/s for enough pressure to seal the chamber so that the brass won't go forward.

If you use some xmp5744, the cast pills will not be going fast enough to lead the barrel. Of course gas checked bullets will be preferred. You can also fireform using jacketed bullets if you want.

I have 2 9.3 mausers that were set up using a dummy round as the go/no-go gauge and the headspace is just right. Sometimes a guy gets lucky...

Ant

Maybe it's easy to open the cases with an expander ( at least .400 )and resize to have a secondary shoulder to have a positive headspace ( you should feel the case contacting the shoulder when you close the bolt ) , load with your standard load and fire , if you have a loose headspace even the cast load will end with a stretched case and a fast rupture at the web in three firings.

Saludos

Daniel