Softer metal makes smaller bullets; correct? Just got another NEI mould (my third; and I love them!) that is marked 358 169 It's a fat nosed SWC-GC. Cast some last night out of 20:1 and they are coming out of the mould at 179Gr and .362. Sizing them to .359, you almost eliminate the cromping groove. I like the looks of the mould and want to keep it around, but amo not very happy with it at this point. Going to try some tomorrow and see how they shoot out of the 5" Highway Patrolman I guess if they shoot, it's a moot point....

Doug K

You are correct about the alloys effect on bullet size. I've been a bit leery about buying NEI moulds that were made after Walt passed away. I'm just not hearing a lot of positives about NEI since then. I hope it all works out for you.

If they got pusjhed out, or if there is some gunk holding the blocks apart, the mould might not be closing all the way.

I've had a NEI catalog. I believe they state that the mould will cast either .002 or .003 over the catalog diameter.

That being said, Alloys do effect bullet size. I can't tell you offhand what they would be, and which ones "shrink" less. However, If you can chamber a .360 or plus without being pressed into the throats, and still have a a few thousanths movement before contact with the throat, I'd shoot the larger bullet and not worry.

those cast from a harder alloy. You might lube them in two steps, first one about .360 with lube, then go to .358" with lube. The lube from the first step will help keep the lube grooves from going away in the second step. Maybe .360 will work. All my NEI moulds were done by Walt.

Ha e t hecketgem. It there are no 'fins' on the billet and only the smallest of mold marks where the halves meet. Got 50 of them loads up and hope to test tomorrow.

More pure lead tend to make larger diameter CB's. Even all WW's cast abit larger than when I add linotype for certain rifle cartridges that I push hard. I would highly recommend Lee's push through sizing dies for making major changes in diameter AFTER you have lubed the CB. You can also order custom sizes from Lee....I do so for paper patching projects. No need to buy custom molds for PP'ing.