A Poor Man's H & G # 68

Ben

Moderator
Staff member
While not an identical copy of the H & G # 68, this Lee, 200 gr. SWC certainly shoots well out of my Ruger Blackhawk 4 5/8 " , 45 ACP revolver. ( Mine is the convertible model with 2 cylinders,----- 45 ACP and 45 Colt ).

I'm not a real big fan of bevel base bullets. Just seems like an easy route for your lube to travel under the base of the bullet during the lube/sizing process. A headache for me. I can't see
any real advantage to a bevel base bullet.

As a consequence, I removed the bevel base on this 2 cavity, Lee , H & G
clone mould ( $ 19.00 ).
It cast well and shoots well after having the bevel base removed from the mould.
I get a nice round .454 " bullet from the mould and after sizing a perfect .4525 " cast bullet .
I'm anxious to try these in the .45 Colt also.

Ben















A .451" diameter cast bullet is snug in the mouths of all of my 6 cylinder throats in the ACP cylinder.

I shoot a .4525 " dia. cast bullet.

My revolver is EXTREMELY accurate ! !
 
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Rick

Moderator
Staff member
Will be interesting to see what the light for caliber bullet does in the Colt. Through most of my casting/loading over the years I've been pretty much a heavy for caliber slow powder type. Keep us informed how it works out.
 

Ben

Moderator
Staff member
I took a diamond cutting tool spinning at VERY slow speed in a Dremel and removed the bevel base.

Ben
 

fiver

Well-Known Member
I seat those types of boolits so the case mouth is even with the front drive band.
I do when they are in the 45 colt case too.
in the 45 colt this insures they will feed in the lever guns, and they headspace on the case mouth in the acp pistols/revolvers.
if I use the same brand of cases to shoot with the groups are a lot better.
I'm sure it's cause they are all the same length [about]
I know many leave a little shoulder exposed to insure all of the rounds come out the same I just ain't one of them.
 

Rick

Moderator
Staff member
My "poor man's" #68 is a 6 cavity SAECO #068. Went into the reloading store at the Angeles Ranges one day and them knowing I was a bullet caster showed me a like new in the box SAECO 6 cavity with handles that they had on consignment for $150.00. I declined telling them that I had other similar molds and besides it's a bevel base but if they really wanted to sell it I would give them $50 for it. They declined that offer but every time I went into the store they brought it up again, each time I offered $50. After 6 months or so I went in again and they said ok, $50. I just couldn't find it in my heart to say no and it followed me home. I've shot many of these bullets since then and while I'm not fond of the bevel base I can't say it's been any sort of problem. I size on the Star so lube on the bevel base is no problem.
 

Ben

Moderator
Staff member
Rick,

I like a persistent man that knows how to " stand his ground."
 
9

9.3X62AL

Guest
I really like the Lee 45-200-SWC in my 45 ACPs. I have loaded them "flush" with case mouth and with .020" of front drive band exposed, both lengths work in my Gold Cup and P-220; the Glock 21 wanted the Long Version only, and fed with a perceptible "hitch" during cycling. The shorter rounds didn't run at all. FWIW.
 

Paul

Member
I bought a used Lee 6 cav mold in that same bullet that the original owner had modified in the same way Ben did. I was anxious to use it, so I set up my pot, heated the blocks and cast up some..... The blocks would not drop those bullets with any less than six or seven whacks with my mould-hittin' stick! I was annoyed for a day or two until I had opportunity to inspect the mod. Rough was an understatement.
I used a split dowel with FINE emery cloth and the blocks now release with ease.
I have a convertible BH and shoot the bullet in 45 ACP and 45 Colt. Played around with crimping on the band and over the band with varying results, but I shoot it most often in the Colt cylinder with green dot and unique. Lots of fun!!
 

Paul

Member
I really like the Lee 45-200-SWC in my 45 ACPs. I have loaded them "flush" with case mouth and with .020" of front drive band exposed, both lengths work in my Gold Cup and P-220; the Glock 21 wanted the Long Version only, and fed with a perceptible "hitch" during cycling. The shorter rounds didn't run at all. FWIW.
Hi, Al. Nice to see you here. You we're always one of my favorites over there for years, BTW!!
 
9

9.3X62AL

Guest
Thank you, Paul. This is a MUCH more serene environment, for certain.
 

Maven

Well-Known Member
"Hi, Al. Nice to see you here. You we're always one of my favorites over there for years, BTW!!"

My sentiments as well!