Information on the Rapine 515 370 (Smith Bullet mold)

[devisser]

Has anyone had success using the Rapine Smith bullet? I came across one and was interested in knowing if this style works using a Repro Carbine. I would appreciate any information on your results of using this mold.

[Michael Bodner]

I have been using that mold for 15+ years. I will tell you that it has a VERY small lube groove that is insufficient for keeping the fouling soft.

What I end up doing is:

1) Cast bullet
2) Dip bullet in lube (Base only)
3) Size bullet using push-through sizer on reloading press. Leave excess lube on 'front' of bullet
4) Fill case with correct amount of powder. Press bullet into case. Smooth out excess lube towards the 'lip' on the case. You end up with a nice fillet of lube

If you don't add lube, you will foul out with these bullets in only a few shots.

Performance-wise - The bullet works fine. It is NOT 0.515", however. At least mine is not. They drop at 0.520". I don't know if Ray marked it wrong or they were all just big.

-Mike