uncle jimbo
Well-Known Member
So my oldest son ask me if I would go elk hunting with him this year. And Of course I said yes. It has been over 35 years since I went big game hunting. Back when I did hunt, I used a Remington 700 BDL in 30-06. I gave this rifle to my oldest granddaughter when she turned 16 and wanted to go deer hunting. I still have all the 30-06 equipment to load for it. But I didn't use lead bullets back then.
The only rifle I have now that will be suited for this is my father's old hunting rifle. It is a Winchester model 70 made in 1971, with a 1-10 twist, so this is what I will be using. I want to use lead bullets for this hunt. I have never used lead bullets for hunting big game, so I am seeking help and advice from all the fine and knowledgeable members here. So here are the things that I have to work with.
1. I have a Lee 160 gr mold and a Lee 180 gr mold. Both use gas checks. I use Alox lube, it is all I have. I have a Lee push through sizer that sizes to .309 and installs the check. I would like to use the 160 gr bullet for this hunt, but not opposed to using the 180 gr.
When I got these molds about 1½ years ago. I casted up some to see what they would do. For the 160 gr I used coww. Average weight for 5 of them is 158.5 grs with an aluminum gc. I weighted the 180 gr with copper gc and they averaged 162,2 grs. I don't remember what type of lead I used.
I do have a lot of pure lead, coww, lino, and 60/40 solder from a radiator slag tank.( I think it is 60/40, but not sure.) So if need be I can make up a mix that will give me a good bullet for what I need.
2. I would like to use IMR4895 or 4227 if possible, I have lots of both. I do have some other shotgun and pistol powders if need be. I again am not opposed to using something else. I have a Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook 4th edition and the Modern Reloading 2nd edition by Richard Lee. Neither of these have listing for these two powders. I was told by someone else on another site that a good starting point for the 4895 is 28 grs and 23 grs for the 4227.
3. I have a chrono so I can tell the velocity of the loads I work up. I am not after the fastest velocity I can get, just a accurate load that will knock down an elk if I do my part.
These are the things I have to work with and would very much like to get an elk with a lead bullet. Any help and advice would be welcome if you feel inclined to help.
If I ask a dumb question, please forgive me and do the best you can to answer if you want.
Thanks in advance,
Paul
The only rifle I have now that will be suited for this is my father's old hunting rifle. It is a Winchester model 70 made in 1971, with a 1-10 twist, so this is what I will be using. I want to use lead bullets for this hunt. I have never used lead bullets for hunting big game, so I am seeking help and advice from all the fine and knowledgeable members here. So here are the things that I have to work with.
1. I have a Lee 160 gr mold and a Lee 180 gr mold. Both use gas checks. I use Alox lube, it is all I have. I have a Lee push through sizer that sizes to .309 and installs the check. I would like to use the 160 gr bullet for this hunt, but not opposed to using the 180 gr.
When I got these molds about 1½ years ago. I casted up some to see what they would do. For the 160 gr I used coww. Average weight for 5 of them is 158.5 grs with an aluminum gc. I weighted the 180 gr with copper gc and they averaged 162,2 grs. I don't remember what type of lead I used.
I do have a lot of pure lead, coww, lino, and 60/40 solder from a radiator slag tank.( I think it is 60/40, but not sure.) So if need be I can make up a mix that will give me a good bullet for what I need.
2. I would like to use IMR4895 or 4227 if possible, I have lots of both. I do have some other shotgun and pistol powders if need be. I again am not opposed to using something else. I have a Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook 4th edition and the Modern Reloading 2nd edition by Richard Lee. Neither of these have listing for these two powders. I was told by someone else on another site that a good starting point for the 4895 is 28 grs and 23 grs for the 4227.
3. I have a chrono so I can tell the velocity of the loads I work up. I am not after the fastest velocity I can get, just a accurate load that will knock down an elk if I do my part.
These are the things I have to work with and would very much like to get an elk with a lead bullet. Any help and advice would be welcome if you feel inclined to help.
If I ask a dumb question, please forgive me and do the best you can to answer if you want.
Thanks in advance,
Paul