Weight Variance

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Still playing with my first NOE mold drilled for a thermometer. Just wondering what weight variance you guys have for your bullets? So far I have been able to keep the weights around 2 grains of each other. When I weighed bullets that were cast out of another mold without a thermometer the spread could go as high as 5 grains. I also came up with a digital high heat thermometer for the pot. It is like coming out of the dark ages. This has to make a difference at the range.

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[Zeus77]

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So far I have been able to keep the weights around 2 grains of each other. When I weighed bullets that were cast out of another mold without a thermometer the spread could go as high as 5 grains.

Are you meaning 2 (two) grains and 5 (five) full grains OR .2 (two tenths) and .5 (five tenths) of a grain? 

For me, two grains variance would be rejected and remelted later.  For my serious hunting bullets, I cull everything with a larger than 1/2 grain difference from the lot average (meaning only keep plus or minus five tenths of a grain. For target or competition shooting, I prefer to be even closer and separate + or – .3 (three tenths) of a grain max variance.

For my plinking bullets, I use a plus + or minus – standard of 1 (one) grain from the average of the lot poured.

Zeus

[adamsutherlandModerator]

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The actual weight variance surely depends on the weight of the projectile, 2 gns is a lot in a 150 gn bullet but could be acceptable in a 550gn bullet.

What actual bullet you are using would help in contributing meaningfully to the discussion.

[bennyritter]

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The bullet is the NOE keith hollowbase bullet. I am using range scrap as that is all I can find in my area. The weights will run around 157 grains. Correct on the variance of 2 grains. Sounds like I need more practice. Only used the mold once so far.

[Zeus77]

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First time at the mold…not bad then considering it’s a hollow base. Practice will improve things for sure. Consistency is the key. My guess on your large weight spread is likely due to the positioning of your pins each time you fill the mold. Take a close look at how they are supposed to be positioned when you close the mold ensuring each time that it’s the same each pour. This will create your hollow base the same depth for each Bullet. Even just .001-.002 difference of the pins position will affect your final weights by having one hollow base deeper than the other.  Keep your mold hot and your pins as hot or hotter. At first, as you learn to pour consistently from either the ladle or bottom pour furnace, it might be easier if keeping the melt a bit hotter too.  Just do everything the same each time, clean your range scrap by fluxing it well.  Make sure you are getting nice sharp filled out corners. When up see rounded edges or bases, you will also have variances.  Depending on your scrap, you may need to sweeten it with a little tin to get help getting a good fill out a little easier. Keep practicing and don’t get discouraged.  It took a lot of practice for everyone I know to pour good bullets (and using a quality mold like NOE helps more than you can imagine).  Each mold is different and will have its unique quirks when casting.  Again, practice and consistency is the key.  Good luck and have fun!!  Zeus

[bennyritter]

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Thanks Zeus 77, I appreciate the advice and encouragement. Using Al’s system is like coming out of the dark. I had no idea.

[Author]

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