The .45 Colt cartridge, a venerable round with a rich history, continues to be a favorite among handloaders. A key component of reloading this powerful cartridge is the bullet mould, a tool used to cast your own projectiles. This guide dives deep into the world of 45 Colt bullet moulds, covering everything from choosing the right mould to casting and using your bullets. Understanding 45 Colt bullet mould options is crucial for achieving consistent accuracy and performance.
Understanding .45 Colt Bullet Moulds: Types and Considerations
Choosing the right 45 Colt bullet mould is paramount. Several factors influence this decision, including:
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Bullet Style: .45 Colt allows for a diverse range of bullet styles. Popular options include:
- Round Nose: Simple, reliable, and accurate, these are excellent all-around choices.
- Round Nose Flat Point (RNFP): Similar to round nose but with a flat point for increased accuracy and potentially better penetration.
- Wadcutter: Designed for target shooting, these flat-nosed bullets produce clean cuts in paper targets.
- Semi-Wadcutter: A hybrid between a wadcutter and a round nose, offering a balance of accuracy and penetration.
- Keith Style: A semi-wadcutter with a deeper, more pronounced hollow point for increased expansion in hunting applications.
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Material: Bullet moulds are typically made of:
- Aluminum: Lighter and cheaper but may wear faster.
- Steel: More durable and longer-lasting but heavier and more expensive.
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Cavity Count: Moulds come with one or two cavities (where the bullets are formed). Two-cavity moulds are faster, but one-cavity moulds can be more accurate.
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Manufacturer: Reputable manufacturers like Lee Precision, Lyman, RCBS, and NOE produce high-quality 45 Colt bullet moulds. Researching reviews before purchasing is important.
Bullet Weight and Diameter: Crucial Specifications
The weight and diameter of your bullets are critical. 45 Colt bullet moulds typically produce bullets weighing between 200 and 300 grains. The diameter should be slightly larger than the bore diameter (.452"-.454") to ensure proper chambering and safe functioning of the firearm. Consult your firearm's manual for recommended bullet diameter specifications.
Casting Your Own .45 Colt Bullets: A Step-by-Step Guide
Casting your own bullets is a rewarding experience. Here's a step-by-step process:
- Gather Your Supplies: This includes your 45 Colt bullet mould, a suitable heat source (a propane torch is commonly used), a crucible for melting the lead, lead alloy, flux (to remove impurities), safety glasses, and gloves.
- Prepare the Alloy: A commonly used lead alloy is a mix of pure lead and some harder metal (e.g., tin or antimony) to improve hardness and performance.
- Melt the Lead: Melt the lead alloy in your crucible carefully, ensuring the temperature is appropriate for your mould. Overheating can damage the mould.
- Fluxing the Melt: Add flux to the molten lead to remove impurities and promote cleaner casting.
- Pouring the Lead: Once the lead is molten and adequately fluxed, carefully pour it into the cavities of your heated 45 Colt bullet mould.
- Cooling and Removal: Allow the lead to cool and solidify within the mould. Once cooled, remove the bullets from the mould using appropriate tools.
- Cleaning and Sizing (if necessary): Some 45 Colt bullet moulds may require minor cleaning and sizing of the cast bullets to ensure proper accuracy.
Safety Precautions: Handling Molten Lead
Working with molten lead demands caution. Always wear safety glasses and gloves. Make sure the area is well-ventilated, and never leave molten lead unattended. Be aware that spilled molten lead can cause severe burns.
Sizing, Lubrication, and Loading .45 Colt Bullets
After casting, several steps are necessary before loading:
- Sizing: This process ensures consistent bullet diameter, enabling smooth chambering. Use a bullet sizing die designed for the caliber of your bullets.
- Lubrication: Lubrication reduces friction during loading and protects the barrel of your firearm from lead fouling. Use a quality bullet lubricant designed for cast lead bullets.
- Loading: Finally, load the sized and lubricated bullets into your cartridge cases using a reloading press and appropriate dies. Carefully follow loading data provided by reputable sources to avoid dangerous over-pressurization.
Case Study: Comparing Different .45 Colt Bullet Moulds
Let's compare two popular 45 Colt bullet moulds: a Lee Precision two-cavity mould and a NOE single-cavity mould, both producing 255-grain RNFP bullets.
| Feature | Lee Precision Two-Cavity | NOE Single-Cavity |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Casting Speed | Faster | Slower |
| Accuracy Potential | Generally good | Potentially higher |
| Durability | Moderate | High |
While the Lee mould is more affordable and faster, the NOE mould potentially offers higher accuracy due to its more precise design. The choice depends on your priorities and budget.
Conclusion: The Rewards of Casting Your Own .45 Colt Bullets
Casting your own 45 Colt bullet moulds offers numerous advantages, including cost savings, the ability to experiment with different bullet designs, and the satisfaction of creating your own ammunition. However, it requires careful attention to detail, safety precautions, and adherence to proper reloading procedures. By following this comprehensive guide, you can confidently embark on your journey into the world of casting your own .45 Colt bullets. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult reliable reloading manuals for detailed instructions and safety information.