I am considering casting bullets for my 30-30 and am wondering what the best way is to get them started into a 30-30 case. Is there some means to bell the case mouths, or should I invest in a mold for bevel based bullets?

Champfering them would probably work, but I would like to avoid that if possible. Thanks.

There are three commonly available expanding dies. Lee, Lyman-M and RCBS.

They all work pretty well. I prefer the Lyman but I also have a Lee set. My dad likes the RCBS.

There are three commonly available expanding dies. Lee, Lyman-M and RCBS.

They all work pretty well. I prefer the Lyman but I also have a Lee set. My dad likes the RCBS.

Dies like the Lyman "M" are the best way. But for a few expeimental loads before the die arrives, can bell them by hand. Only want a slight bell...just enough not to catch on the bullet base and allow un-shaved seating.

I keep a fired 50BWG bullet on my bench for this...but any smooth tapered steel tool, like the shank of a center punch, will do. Just push it in...or lightly tap it...to flare the neck slightly. IF the bullet base doesn't shave, are good to go.

It also helps to lightly chamfer the inside of the case mouth. If you don't have one of those tools, brass is soft and you can lightly scrape it with the edge of a screwdriver or something of that nature. Just try not to leave any burrs.....

The Lyman 'M' die is probably as good a choice as you can make.
Another way,is to use a larger diameter expander,and be gentle when you use it. I have some Lyman #310(tong tool) expander dies of various diameters.
If they are still available,they do just as good a job as does the 'M'die.
Frank

Thanks for the responses gents. That "M" die was news to me, and looks like the way to go.

I reload for a 30/30 single shot rifle using 180 grain cast round nose bullets from Lee a mold, I chamfer the case lightly inside and out and have had no problems seating the bullet in the case after resizing.

Cliff...

Several weeks ago, I bought the Lee Universal Case Expanding Die after a fellow forum member recommended it. It work great! I bought it from Boses Guns (402-695-2555) for less than $8!

http://cuero.nodial.net/~lindareamy/reloading/expanding die.jpg

If you are using Lee Dies, they will sell you an .311 EasyX Expander to replace the .308 that comes with the dies. it's PN SE2169 and cost $3... of course shipping is $3 unless they can stick it in an envelope.

Ranchdog:

Thanks for the info on the Lee Die. Looks like it should work, and the price is certainly right.

I have been using this same new Lee expander die for all of my case perperationwith the .30-30 Improved. It works very well.