r/castboolits

Dear BoolitCasters

I am trying to figure out, if it is possible to find a bullet shape/mold that I can use well in my S&W 629 6" Classic DX and my Marlin 1894.
if that is not reasonable, I have no problem buying two separate molds.

I will powdercoat the bullets, since getting access to harder alloy then 50:1 (98% Lead & 2% Tin) is a bit difficult for me here, but Lead, Tin and Powder I have good availability

I thought, maybe the LEE NLG 429-240-RF could be a good solution here. It does not have any lube grooves and is explicitly meant for powdercoating (see picture below)

Lee NLG 429-240-RF

LEE TL 430-240SWC

I also saw, that many people are powdercoating the LEE TL 430-240SWC. But heard that this shape can make problems in a 1894 Marlin...for some, and in others it is a perfect little bullet. As far as I understood this design might be the ideal one for my Revolver.

I would rather not spend too much money, so if I have to buy two different molds I would really like to stay with the Lee Dual Cavity ones. If there is an ideal shape that work well with both I would be willing to spend a bit more on one mold instead of two.

Since my Marlin preferes larger diameters (0.433) my idea was to open up the mould to 0.433 diameter (first paper spacer and then lapping when I am happy with the results) and then get two different sizing dies, one on .430 for the Revolver and one in 0.433 for the Marlin.

Is this a reasonable approach?
What would you do differently?