My new '83 has a preference.

[Dusty Miller]

I think I can say with a high degree of confidence that my new FA 83 really likes 300 gr. cast bullets over the 240s.  This is true in 45 Colt as well as the 454 Casull.  As a matter of fact I'm laying plans to get an LBT four cavity mold as soon as I can slip it by the Mrs.     This gun is starting to work its way into my heart!!

[oso45-70]

Dusty.

They have a way of working their self into your blood pump. I took mine out the other day and ran a couple dozen good hot ones through it and i am sure i heard it say" Gee Thanks." It has about orphaned all my other Single Action Pistolas. Take care...........Joe..........

[TommyD]

Dusty,

I have the same experience with my FA 83, although I shoot mosly 45 colt through mine. It loves the 300 grain bullets. And doesn't seem particular about the brand out to 50 yards. NBC, D&J, and hornady xtp. It also like sthe 300 gr RCBS swc and the Lyman #452651 325 grainer using straight wheel weights water dropped and sized to .452.

It doesn't do as well with the lighter cast bullets in the 255 grain range, but did very nicely with the 250 Hornady xtp and a good dose of H110. I have not been able to find an accurate load for cast bullets. I have tried NBC, lazer-cast, and the Lyman 452424 Keith bullet, but have yet to find an accurate combination. I have used Unique, 231, AA No. 5, Lil'gun, and H110.

I have the Lyman 255 grain gas check mould #452490 on order and we will see how it does with that.

I have been thinking of trying an LBT mould, but I emailed Veral once and posted on the forum dedicated to LBT a few days ago, but have not received an answer. Veral doesn't seem to have posted any answers for a number of days. Veral offers so many options, and I am unsure of what to order. So I guess I will have to wait until I hear from him.

Tom

[Dusty Miller]

Veral has a data sheet you need to get  hold of.  It explains the whole process. 

[TommyD]

I did get in touch with Veral, thanks.

I have a question for you regarding powders: Lil'gun.

The fans of Lil'gun promote it as able to get higher velocities with lower pressures than H110. But I haven't seen anyone writing about it's accuracy potential.

I would like to be able to use Lil'gun for my 45 colt loads, because it meters out better in my Dillon progressive press. The slide type powder measures sometimes have trouble with fine powders like H110.

Perhaps I just haven't found the right load for Lil'gun with my cast bullets, but the groups  don''t seem quite as tight as they are with H110. And I seem to remember Hodgdon issuing a statement a while back that they don't recommend Lil'gun for cast bullets.

What is your experience with Lil'gun?

Thanks,
Tom

[MarkH]

I have used Lil Gun a great deal, but mostly with the 250 grain Nosler Sporting hollowpoint in the 45 Colt  - 1350 fps out of a 7.5" barrel in a Freedom Arms 97 - and it was a VERY accurate load out to 150 yards.

I am using IMR4227 and H110 almost exclusively now in the 454 with 300-320 grain cast and jacketed.  I seem to get the best accuracy at top end with H110.  H110 meters fine in my Dillons with the powder charge I am using.  Seems like they have a sweet spot.

[marquitos]

MarkH, how many gr. of IMR4227 do you use? and what velocities do you achieve with a 300gr. cast bullet? regards, mark

[4MUL8R]

And how many grains of H110?  Inquiring minds...