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Thread: Pure lead or alloy for Smith bullets? Also, filler?

  1. #1
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    Pure lead or alloy for Smith bullets? Also, filler?

    I'm looking at getting a Smith carbine for my daughter.

    I have an Eras Gone mold for a Smith bullet. Should I use pure lead or a tin/lead alloy?

    I have ordered the red plastic tubes with brass grommet from Yore Supply.

    Should I use a filler when making the cartridges?

    What is the ballpark for a target load?

    2F or 3F powder? I don't really have much 2F powder left, so 3F is probably what I will use.

    Steve
    Steve Sheldon
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    4th Louisiana Delta Rifles
    NRA Certified Muzzleloading Instructor

  2. #2
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    I found this interesting thread on Smith bullets:

    https://www.n-ssa.net/vbforum/showth...t=smith+bullet

    Steve
    Steve Sheldon
    Commander
    4th Louisiana Delta Rifles
    NRA Certified Muzzleloading Instructor

  3. #3
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    Thanks Rob!

    Steve
    Steve Sheldon
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    Steve,

    I use 30 gr. of Swiss 1-1/2F topped off with a 0.5cc Lee dipper of cream of wheat. I seat the bullet by hand. That leaves the bullet just a hair shallow in the case and when I close the carbine, it finishes seating the bullet. I use a 50/50 mix of pure lead and wheel weights, mainly because I know that my bullet is large enough to fill the groove diameter, therefore no obturation is needed, AND.......I have more wheel weights than I will probably ever use, but have to BUY pure lead.

    BTW, I tried 3F, but found I was losing it out the flash hole when I filled the cases. Was it enough to affect accuracy? I don't know, but I didn't like it, so I went with 1.5F and solved the problem. It shoots better than me, so that works for me. Others will have different opinions.

  5. #5
    Lou Lou Lou is online now
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    I use metal tubes, 25 gr FFFg and a Rapine/Moose 515-385 bullet. Works better than I can hold
    Lou Lou Lou Ruggiero
    Tammany Regt-42nd NYVI

  6. #6
    jonk is offline
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    I never had a lot of luck with the orange Yore tubes. Grommets fell out after a shot or two. Give them a try but I prefer the hard plastic or metal ones.

    2 or 3f, your gun will tell you what it likes. Same with soft vs. hard lead and filler vs. no.

    Currently I am running a brass tube, soft lead, 30 gr of 2f, and an over powder cork wad. This with the lodgewood Lee bullet 6 cavity mold. I got an Eras gone by mold recently and am going work up a load for it.

  7. #7
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    Steve, I shoot soft lead Moose Smith/Maynard bullets sized to .518", and I use 28.5 grains of 3F, no filler. Works like a charm. My son-in-law has won several medals with the original Smith and the load data.
    Last edited by ms3635v; 03-03-2020 at 06:09 PM.
    Mike Santarelli 03635V, Adjutant
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  8. #8
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    How do you guys lube Smith bullets?

    Dip lube? Lubrsizer?

    Steve
    Steve Sheldon
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    4th Louisiana Delta Rifles
    NRA Certified Muzzleloading Instructor

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    PapaRob is offline Banned
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    I dip once.

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    Lou Lou Lou is online now
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    Dip lube in McM
    Lou Lou Lou Ruggiero
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