Commercial Cast Lead Bullets for .318" 8x57 J or JR (older German guns)

[Old No7]

Greetings all.

I'm checking here as I've exhausted most of the other outlets that normally would have helped supply me with some needed lead cast bullets...

I'm trying to get cast lead bullets sized .318" (not a mold) off the shelf to use in my 1930s Drilling, thinking those would be easier on the 'ol girl. And less costly for me to shoot too.

So far, all I am finding is a VERY limited selection of jacketed bullets in that diameter, or .322" or .323" cast lead rifle bullets meant for the 32-40; but the sellers tell me they can't squeeze or swage them down any smaller; and if they can't do it -- then I probably can't either.

Any helpful thoughts would be appreciated, thanks!

Old No7

[mike ford]

Old No 7,
For your drilling, you don't likely need .318" cast bullets. It is usual to use cast bullets .002-.003" larger than groove diameter, I prefer .002", but that is not "hard and fast" and I often use different figures. Often the difference is for convenience, for instance I have a large number of .364" cast bullets that I use in a .358" 9.3x72R rifle. I could size them to .360", but trying then showed they work well. If you have a case, fired in your drilling and not resized, if it will easily accept (even a jacketed) bullet larger than .318"; you can likely use that larger diameter bullet in it. Cast bullets are even more forgiving than jacketed. In my experience, you can likely use the .322" cast bullets in your rifle and if necessary can size them to .320 or .321". For jacketed bullets, if the drilling won't accept larger than .318" bullets, you can size the new Flextip 32 Winchester Special bullets to .318". The new Flextip bullets have been getting good reviews lately( I size 170 gr. .321" to .318" for an 8x72R that won't accept larger than .318"). You can buy a reasonably priced bullet sizing die from Lee that will work with your normal loading press. Good luck.
Mike

[Old No7]

Great ideas -- thanks Mike!

Old No7

[DreyseM65]

I agree with the idea of using a .322 or .321 cast bullet. I purchased both recently, as I am preparing to load for a Gewehr 88 with a .318 bore.

[Leatherman]

I use Montana Bullets 170 and 190 GC 32 special bullets. They come in .321" and I have the Lee sizeing die in .319" for my 8x 57jr. They shoot good enough for me to win the Rabit Hatch stalking rifle match last year. I use them in my double rifle for a light practice load , around 1500 fps, and they regulate quite well at 50 yards in that gun. But for hunting large game I use Buffalo Arms 200 grain jacketed .318" bullet with good results.