cast bullets in sig-sauer 1911's

[iwharper]

Just wondering, has anyone had any experience shooting cast bullets in their sig 1911's? I've been casting for some years now. I like to use 230 grain round nose cast bullets for practice. I make mine a little harder alloy using more linotype. Anyway, I'm thinking that the Sig chambers are a little tighter than say non 'match' barrels. (correct me if I'm wrong) I've had to resize my cast bullets down to 451 diameter by running them thru a lee bullet sizer and then through a lee post sizer crimper die.(actually a taper crimp die) By the way, the Lee post sizer, crimper die is worth the money to finish off your reloads. It's an extra step, but your ammo will chamber better.

[La Grenouille]

That's odd, as "match" chambers tend to be tighter than non-match chambers.

[doug duncan]

I shoot SWC 200 grains out of my stx no problems. my bore size is .451 so that is what I shoot right now, was told I should be shooting the .452 will have to get some and see.

[UrbanSI]

I have not measured the chamber on my Sig 1911 but it shoots lead bullets just fine sized at .452

I am just about losing track on the round count, some where between 6500-7000, 99% has been lead. No feeding issues in the last 6000 rounds, its wasn't the gun so much as my reloads. After experimenting with a universal expanding die I was able to iron out my occasional feeding problem.

[SmurfHunter]

I'm just getting into reloading. How long should someone wait before taking up casting too?

[UrbanSI]

I really enjoy reloading but I never see myself casting. Unless you really enjoy it there are very few positives, especially if you are buying lead.

See if you enjoy reloading before you commit to casting

[SmurfHunter]

Originally Posted by UrbanSI

I really enjoy reloading but I never see myself casting. Unless you really enjoy it there are very few positives, especially if you are buying lead.

See if you enjoy reloading before you commit to casting

Thanks.

[macinyart]

In some of the other threads relating to casting bullets, I have seen references to lead poisoning from inhalation of fumes while melting the bullet material and the subsequent concerns about the poisoning and measures necessary to control this exposure.

[iwharper]

Originally Posted by macinyart

In some of the other threads relating to casting bullets, I have seen references to lead poisoning from inhalation of fumes while melting the bullet material and the subsequent concerns about the poisoning and measures necessary to control this exposure.

Casting bullets can be rewarding and you can save money in the process.
It's like anything else though. You have to follow some safety rules.
like, never cast or melt lead in a confined area. always melt lead or cast in an area well ventilated. also, always wash your hands and cloths
after handling lead. AND NEVER eat or drink while casting OR SHOOTING! .By the way, You are exposing yourself to lead deposits everytime you pull the trigger! Always wash your hands after handling firearms before eating or drinking.
I mean the lead is atomized in the air and sticks to your hands and cloths, especially in an indoor range! Even if you shoot encapsolated rounds, the guy next to you may be shooting wadcutters.

[UrbanSI]

Seems all the savings in casting is with free lead, if you are buying lead the only way its becoming financially beneficial is for casting bullets under 150 grains or so. As most reloaders find out, you really are not saving as your shooting increases dramatically.

My lead reloads for 230 grain .45 acp is right about $6.50/50. Thats 5 grains hp-38 and wolf primers. Last time I did the math with casting its only about a dollar savings per 50 if I buy the lead. Not to mention all the other materials to get up and running.

For me I think not relying on a caster is the biggest perk, making what you want when you want is enticing. While I understand the passion for reloading, I'm not sure i'm quite the purest others are.

[scubadad]

im about to take the plunge into casting. i have a friend who has been doing it for awhile now. lead tire weights are a good source. if you know a mechanic you can get them for free. i just got 10lbs from work for free.