How to Size Cast Bullets for Accuracy

Bullet casting is a hobby many firearms enthusiasts branch into after learning to hand-load. Cast bullets, however, may drop from the mold over sized. In other words, they may be a few thousandths of an inch too large in diameter. To get the most accuracy -- and safety -- in your hand-loads, you can run the cast bullets through a bullet-sizing die and get bullets, ready to load, of consistent diameter.

Things You'll Need

• Cast bullets
• Bullet lube
• Bullet-sizing die
• Reloading press
• Dial calipers

Instructions

1. Measure your cast bullets. They may drop from the mold sized properly and not need to be re-sized.

2. Pan lube the bullets. Melt bullet lube in a pan, then place the cast bullets in the pan. Take the pan off the heat and allow the lube to harden. Remove the bullets from the hardened lube.

3. Install your bullet-sizing die in your reloading press and set the depth according to the manufacturer's instructions.

4. Run the bullet into the sizing die. Measure the sized bullets to make sure they are the size you want. If any are still over-sized, run them through the sizing die again.

Tips & Warnings

• Invest in a quality set of dial calipers. Accurate measurements are the cornerstones of safe hand-loading.

• Cast bullets are almost always as large or larger than groove diameter. Start your hand-loads at the lowest recommended charge, then progress from there as you develop your loads. Shooting a bullet that is too large in diameter will cause pressures to rise to dangerous and destructive levels during firing.

References

• The Los Angeles Silhouette Club: Cast Bullet Sizing and Lubing Page
• Lee Precision: Bullet Lubing and Sizing Kits