Starter on Cast. Limitations, What I need to know, etc...

[TattooedGun]

So I've put in my renewal form, and with it I've added a .303 - primarily because I really want a LE No.5 'Jungle Carbine'.

Whilst I'd like some factory ammunition to shoot and see how it feels with it, ideally I just want to be able to use the brass from those and reload. After seeing various threads on here regarding cast for .303 it got me to thinking.
Is it possible to reload cast for the jungle carbine (which I'm positive it is) and given that it probably will be, what do I need to know about it in order to make bullets accurate (minute of man) out to 600 yards.

My primary range with it would be 300-600 yards. Occasional development at 100...

What stops the lead from coming apart when pushing it to these distances? I read Dromia, I think, shoots successfully out to 1000 yards with cast loads.

Can I buy 303 cast boolits, as moulds, dippers, pourers and messing with lead is a little bit much as this will be an occassional use rifle.

Are there any issues with loading cast from a magazine?

As a good starting point, what are some useful bits of info I should need to know?

Thanks

TG

[Alpha1]

You need to slug your bore to see what size bullets you need first. It's a simple process. Then you can order some bullets of dodgyrog to get you started. You need a set of dies obviously. You will need a neck expander to expand your case necks so you don't shave lead of when seating. You will need a suitable powder. If you are buying cast bullets rather than casting them yourself you don't need a great deal of kit to start.

[saddler]

...and read as many of the recent posts on this forum on the subject....plus check out the Cast Boolits forum.

Dromia posted a good link last week to a must-read article in the FB library on cast bullets in military rifles.
Read that a few times.

[dromia]

I doubt that you will be able to buy cast boolits that will shoot well at over 1800 fps.

That is fine for target shooting out to around 600 yrds, I would also recommend a heavy boolit, at least 200 gns.

You do not want hardcast boolits and they must fit your freebore/groove/bore diameters so taking an impact cast of your freebore and start of your rifling is a must.

To be honest if you are wanting to shoot cast at medium distances and are not prepared to make your own then you will be as well sticking to condom bullets as bought cast boolits rarely meet the needs of a particular gun for that range.

You may be lucky.

Cast boolits are a totally different kettle of fish from condom and need a totally different understanding to get the best from them, just thinking that you can swap 'tween condom and cast with the same methods will usually end in failure.

[Mike95]

The Jungle carbine is not noted for its accuracy....certainly not at 600 yards. Will load fine with cast out to 200 yards, same as other 303,s.
If you want target rifle accuracy in a military rifle buy a k31. Considerably cheaper than the Jungle carbine, shoots cast very well. I never understand why everyone does not have one!

Mike95

[saddler]

The Jungle carbine is not noted for its accuracy....certainly not at 600 yards. Will load fine with cast out to 200 yards, same as other 303,s.
If you want target rifle accuracy in a military rifle buy a k31*. Considerably cheaper than the Jungle carbine, shoots cast very well. I never understand why everyone does not have one!

Mike95

*...or a Finn M39

[TattooedGun]

The Jungle carbine is not noted for its accuracy....certainly not at 600 yards. Will load fine with cast out to 200 yards, same as other 303,s.
If you want target rifle accuracy in a military rifle buy a k31. Considerably cheaper than the Jungle carbine, shoots cast very well. I never understand why everyone does not have one!

Mike95

Because I want a Jungle Carbine, not a K31.

I never said I wanted Target Rifle Accuracy. I have target Rifles. I just want to hit the board, that'd be nice. In the middle if possible. Mostly it'll be for collection piece. More prominently I want one from BSA, as Birmingham is less than 15 miles from where I've lived all my life. Can't really say that for the Swiss K31 now, can I?

[Mike95]

You pays your money and you makes your choice...good luck with your British made jungle carbine...I think that the two I have seen in action were Ishapore origin..
Mike 95

[dromia]

Ishapore never made No5s but No5s did go through FTR there.

I have one in my collection and it is a fine shooter and is easily the equal of the K31 when both shoot cast.