Lube Die Question

victorj19

May 21, 2015 15:11

I've been casting bullets for 9x18 (Makarov) and lube them with the liquid Lee lube. I'm pretty sure the bullets are .365. Recently bought a Lyman 45 for sing other bullets. I've been looking for a die for the 9x18 rounds but have only found a .363 die. Would a .363 bullet be undersized? Cause leading, etc. I'd like to get away from the liquid lube.

Also what die would be appropriate for a 30 Cal round? .308? .309? I've seen claims to use a .311 for 30 cal rounds, which seems to be a bit too large to me.

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  charliemeyer007

  May 21, 2015 15:28

  Normal is .001 or .002 larger. A lot of 30 cal is .311 just because I suspect of worn bores.
  
  There are people around that make custom sizing to your exact size.
  
  Added I would look for a .366, perhaps a .367. A high antimony content in your alloy can help throw a larger bullet in your mold.
  
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9×18mm_Makarov
  
  You might consider a bullet swage of some sort to bump up some smaller bullet. .356 - .359 to your size.

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  bpost

  May 22, 2015 03:38

  A cheap digital caliper is available from most supply houses. It will make your life a lot easier. I shoot .311 in 30 caliber rifles. They shoot better for me as cast from Linotype/wheel weights 50/50.
  
  Undersize bullet will lead worse than over size.

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