Hello, all-
I’m a n00b here, so please be patient with my dumb questions…
Just bought a CVA Optima V2 pistol. Inline, 209 ignition, .50 cal., 1:28 twist.
Have been reading lots of threads here… great resource!
Plan to use Lee R.E.A.L. bullets over a felt wad. This will save $$$ on sabots, and help keep the litter down, at the range.
Have access to both 250 and 320 grain molds, and plan to try both, eventually.
Plan to pour (more or less) pure lead, unless I need a little tin to help fill out the mold.
Plan to use it as a range toy ONLY, so power isn’t particularly important- just want to ring the gongs!
NOW, TO THE POINT- are folks running these bullets through a sizer, or just loading them “as-cast?”
(I have not even slugged the bore yet, so I’m maybe getting ahead of myself.)
I understand the “Rifling Engraved At Loading” name and concept, but it just seems like stuffing a bullet with a .517 driving band might be a little more than I bargained for. I’ve read posts here where folks said they have to start them with a mallet, but the bullet loads OK after the rifling has engraved the driving bands.
Thanks for any experience you can share.
I know the best thing is to just get ahold of the molds and start casting/shooting, but I’m doing one thing at a time, here.
I’m also in MN, and “The Big Chill” is upon us. (Might be spring before I put it all together!)