A Guide to Loading Cast Bullets for Your Post-1898 Military Rifle

Introduction:

Loading cast bullets is a popular practice among shooters, and with good reason. Not only can they be more cost-effective than buying commercial ammunition, but they also offer a unique shooting experience that many enthusiasts find enjoyable. In this article, we'll explore the process of loading cast bullets for your post-1898 military rifle.

Using Lyman's #311291 to Load Cast Bullets

I've been loading cast bullets since 1963 using Lyman's #311291 die set. To load these bullets, I substitute my usual gas-checked bullets with plain-based bullets without the gas-check. This is because the gas-check can interfere with the bullet's expansion and accuracy.

Mattern's Plain-Based Load for Offhand and Rapid-Fire Practice

For offhand and rapid-fire practice at 100 yards, I recommend using Mattern's plain-based '100 yard target load'. This load uses up my minor visual defect culls and is ideal for shooting in a relaxed, informal setting. The Lyman #311291 die set makes it easy to achieve this load.

The Ideal Load for Your .32 H&R Magnum

If you own a .32 H&R Magnum, I highly recommend using the '100 Yard Target and Small Game' Load. This load is particularly well-suited for this caliber and provides excellent accuracy and expansion.

LBT's 130 Grain Flat-Nosed Gas-Check Bullet

For those looking to try a different bullet design, LBT offers a 130 grain flat-nosed gas-check bullet specifically designed for the .30 caliber cast small game bullet. This bullet is ideal for use in post-1898 military rifles and provides excellent accuracy and expansion.

Basic Load Data for Modern Military Rifles

If you're looking to load your modern military rifle with cast bullets, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consult published data for the specific caliber you're using. For bores smaller than 7mm, it's best to use a standard weight cast bullet and adjust the powder charge accordingly.

Using Modern Powders

When loading cast bullets, it's essential to use modern powders that provide a sound basis for loading in any post-1898 military rifle from 7mm to 8mm. I worked up equivalent charges using Bullseye or an equivalent powder to obtain the desired velocity ranges.

Four Load Classifications from Mattern

Mattern offers four load classifications that cover all uses for the cast bullet military rifle. These loads include the '100 yard target/small game', 'small game/gallery', and 'hunting' loads, each designed for specific purposes.

Avoid Using Inert Fillers

When loading your case, avoid using inert fillers such as Dacron or kapok to take up excess empty space. Instead, use a standard weight cast bullet and adjust the powder charge accordingly.

Loading cast bullets is a fun and rewarding experience that offers many benefits for shooters. By following these guidelines and using the right equipment, you can achieve excellent accuracy and expansion with your post-1898 military rifle. Remember to always consult published data for your specific caliber and avoid using inert fillers in your case. With the right load and technique, you'll be able to enjoy shooting your surplus rifle like never before.

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