Smith bullet sizing

[Bob Bumleg]

Bought an original Smith reclined by Bob and it slugs out at .510". Ordered a Moose .515-385 mould. What diameter should I size the bullet to for best results? I have a .5135 diameter sizing die in my Saeco lubris.izee

[Lou Lou Lou]

Try it as cast first. It might surprise you

[sherm burres]

:D
Try it as cast first. It might surprise you
Try your69 Cal round ball you can make it fit

[RaiderANV]

That question is best asked of Bobby Hoyt who would know best.

[Hal]

.002" over groove diameter is not a bad rule of thumb for breech loading guns.

[Bob Bumleg]

Thanks for your advice.Will try "as cast" and .513.

[WBowen70]

Bob,

I have been struggling getting my Smith to group, with the help of a teammate I have found a .518 bullet is doing it for me.

Wayne

[jonk]

Surprised it's that tight.

I also subscribe to 2/1000" over groove diameter. NOT bore diameter. Now, after that, you just have to play with loads, lead hardness, etc.

Personally, I size at .516 for soft or .520 for hard. Bore groove diameter measures .517, and those are the sizers I have on hand. I get similar accuracy from both, but usually go the soft route, as it's cheaper than buying tin, and wheelweights are just too variable and have too much junk in them (zinc and the like) these days, for use in anything but smoothbore. Different molds, too I might add. The 520 I have also shoots fine if cast from pure lead, but is a single cavity, while the 516 is a 6 banger.

[ms3635v]

I know, from speaking with Bob, that if you bring a sized bullet with the barrel you are having relined, he then can cut the rifling to the correct depth.