Lee R.E.A.L. Bullet Review

[@model99savage]

I can vouch for the Lee R.E.A.L. as well. I began using the 250-grain R.E.A.L. over 17 years ago in my now gone Lyman Deerstalker and currently use the 320-grain R.E.A.L. in my T/C Renegade. Velocity with the 320-grain slug over a 100-grain equivalent of Pyrodex (Pyrodex and Triple 7 for range sessions, Goex black powder for hunting) is a cool 1800 FPS (about 2300 LB-FT of muzzle energy). Very effective on deer.

[@shoup2882]

I used to use Power Belts in my 45 and 50 caliber smokepoles, but now they are up to $1.25 a shot so I started looking for something else. I already cast bullets for my handguns so I decided to try casting. I ordered the molds for the 200 grain 45 and the 250 grain 50. I tumble lube them and used Lee Liquid Alox softened up in the microwave, they both shoot just as accurately as the Power Belts at a fraction of the cost. I cast these from old lead pipes, which are very soft lead, a friend of mine is a building contractor and supplied me with several hundred pounds of lead pipe. I use Triple Seven powder and have fired up to 30 rounds through each smokepole with no increased pressure to seat the bullet and no decrease in accuracy. Can't wait to try them out this year on a whitetail!

[@lsd-25ayahuascadmt7]

I know this comment is several years old, but hey, there's a chance you'll see it. Have you ever performed a hardness test on those pipes?

[@hogsnplanes]

I am using the stock sights on the rifle, took a bit to get on to them again but I was over charged as well, I found 75 grains worked best too with the 250 grainers. I used pure lead on these but will use wheel weights next, I am very happy with them overall.

[@wrxs1781]

Great video, thanks for putting the time into it. All or most BP loads at 25 and up to 50 meters, will shoot well with practice. The real test is 100 meters and beyond. My only and last comment is they all are different and you have to find the correct formula. My most accurate BP rifle and the most inexpensive is a Lyman plains rifle .50 using a Hornady patched round ball, keep up the good work, and regards RS.

[@hogsnplanes]

Thanks, I need to get back at it.

[@tripplebeards3427]

The 320 version drops 4 inches at 75 yards when I’m zeroed at 50 with 60 grains of Pyrodex. I powder coat them with no lube. I can stack them all in one hole at 50 yards. With lube and no powder coating the groups open up.

[@hogsnplanes]

Interesting

[@357bullfrog]

I just got a chamce to fire a few of the REALs thru my GPR one in sixty twist and i was verry satisfied with the results. 80 yrds at a milk jug and tore it up like a old bird nest. Thanks for motavatin me to try.

[@hogsnplanes]

Yes, gotta thank Lee for those for sure, glad they worked for ya.

[@hogsnplanes]

I fired them out of my flinter with good results as well. They even worked well in my percussion pistol.

[@paraplegichistoricalsports5700]

I'm going to try them in my Lyman Great Plains, 50 cal, 1:60 twist for round ball. I will put a 54 cal Ox Yoke lubed felt wad under the bullet. This prevents any the powder from scorching the base at all. The base of the bullet is what stears it. I shoot a 1 inch group at 50 yards with 60 gns 3f Goex, .015 wad (wet with water/dishsoap) and a .498 ball. Your Hunter model would probaly shoot round ball better with a lighter charge, but I am not for sure about it. Thanks for sharing your videos. Keep em coming.

[@chazborn7654]

Very knowledgeable video thank you have a Merry Christmas and a happy new year stay healthy Chaz Born

[@hogsnplanes]

Thanks, Merry Christmas and Happy New years to you as well.

[@mikebecker12]

Q: what rifling twist is in your rifle? Also to make bullets from wheel weights is not a good idea. It's not pure lead. Contains tin .

[@hogsnplanes]

1 in 32", never had a problem or noticed a difference between pure lead and wheel weights even with hollow based projectiles.

[@seljanche]

Nice video and i like you enyojed that much shooting...keep it up!

[@hogsnplanes]

seljanche Good to hear, Thanks.

[@outdoorsythings2573]

Got my Tc renagade last week, ( 54 cal left hand) and a little horse trading today and I got a Lee real 300 grain. Hope it shoots as good as your rifle is. Great shooting. Nice groups. Enjoyed your video. Oh nice flying over Barrhead. In Alberta my self but down south, in Bassano area. my familly lives up in that area though.

[@hogsnplanes]

Thanks, I got a thermometer for the lead pot, made a big difference in bullet size and quality. Recommended temps come with the thermometer.

[@johnnybarbar7435]

My favorite bullet too. I have molds for each weight Lee makes in 50 and 54 caliber. Insert a thick felt wad before the bullet and you will have even better accuracy. You can make them or buy ox-yoke wads. In cooler weather you can use unsalted lard or Crisco for bullet lube.

[@hogsnplanes]

I'll try those wads.

[@preacher031163]

Twist?

[@doccpu7]

Got a cva wolf and with my lee 452-255 flat nose and a sabot leave 1-1.5 inch groups of 5 at 100 yards.

[@hogsnplanes]

Nice!

[@gsgoble]

Ya know I use REAL bullets in my 50 cal and after I cast em, I melt bore butter in a short medicine bottle and dip the bullets in the liquid bore butter and it clings to the bullets and fills up the grease grooves just fine.

[@fallenpatriot7917]

I wasn't getting very good accuracy with the Lee REAL bullets. I have a Lyman Great Plains flintlock in .50 cal. I was only getting around 3 inch groups at 50 yards where the Hornady great plains 385 grain will consistently shoot 1.25-1.5" groups and I've even had a few groups under an inch. I fixed the problem by cutting some .005" 50 cal patches into a cross shape with equal length "petals" just like an addition sign. Cutting the patch this way will allow it to wrap perfectly around the last ring of the REAL bullet. This increased accuracy a lot. It will shoot the same size groups as the great plains bullet. So if anyone is having accuracy problems with the REAL bullet, try this trick.

[@hogsnplanes]

fallenpatriot 79 You my be too hot on your melt, this will cause undersized bullets giving you accuracy problems. If you can get a patch on a REAL it is too small.

[@fallenpatriot7917]

I'm pretty sure the mold was well filled out. I throw them back in the melt if they're not but I'll double check and keep an eye on it next time I cast some. Thanks for the info.

[@hogsnplanes]

fallenpatriot 79 Ok, Just if the metal is too hot it will naturally contract more when it cools as I found out from experience leaving the projectile undersized.

[@hokanut]

I asked which bullet you preferred on your video with the Kentucky rifle. I see you like the Lee R.E.A.L.s here. I just ordered the mold but I'll take your advice and bring the bore scraper. Nice shooting!

[@hogsnplanes]

Thanks, You'll like the R.E.A.Ls.

[@williampollock1274]

I cast and shoot the lee 320 gr REAL bullets and I get pretty much the same results as you were getting they seem to be very good bullets. Oh yeah i pan lube mine with 50/50 beeswax and crisco It makes clean up very easy.

[@hogsnplanes]

William Pollock That’s something I’m going to try, already got the bees wax.

[@brentscott5359]

Ditto here. Same bullet and lube. Great minds and all.

[@hogsnplanes]

I have very little to no leading in the barrel. I use Wonderlube or the like on the bullet just before loading. A lubed patch (not too wet) before the first shot seems to help. I clean the same as when I shoot round ball.

[@skunkhome]

If you are shooting the Lyman hunter it will not stabilize a round ball with that 1:32 twist. Actually it over stabilizes a ball. For a ball you need the 1:60 twist that will not stabilize a conical bullet.

[@hogsnplanes]

That's right but was fun to try anyway.

[@robertloew2570]

@@hogsnplanes Round balls will shoot in a fast twist, just keep the power charge low great if your just shooting paper!!!!

[@bobbrua8758]

excellent video what is your twist in barrel? I got 1-28twist in my inline cva wonder if that would work/ will subscribe

[@hogsnplanes]

Bob Brua I find they work good in all rifling.

[@vandohky]

What do you use to clean the barrel after shooting the lead bullets? Do they leave much lead in the barrel?

[@theBodger]

I use Swiss No2 with no lube, No need to clean after 40 shots Lyman Mould 235g with 30g Swiss. In a Pedersoli Tryon Match .45 cal. Try less powder maybe 50g of 3fff or Swiss No3. Your just wasting powder. I’m getting scores of 90+ at 100yds on a MLAIC 50yd target. We use these at 100 to make it harder!!

[@hogsnplanes]

No Swiss here unfortunately.

[@Troutslayer07076]

Great video. Thanks for making it. Did you have any leading in the barrel not using a wad? Thanks.

[@hogsnplanes]

Thanks, no issues with leading at all, I use wonder lube on the bullet before loading.

[@hogsnplanes]

1 in 32" twist but they work fine in a 1 in 60".

[@357bullfrog]

What twist is that barell? Mine is i think 1 in 60 and ive got a bunch of the real bullets but havent tried em yet

[@mrleechapman7615]

thats pretty good, just ordered a Lee Real 50 cal bullet mold

[@hogsnplanes]

mold gets hot fast, works great. Make sure you have temperature gauge for molten lead, makes a big difference.

[@hogsnplanes]

Get a thermometer for lead, the temperature is quit important for good bullets.

[@jaredpeterson380]

I ordered some of these for a .50 Lyman GPR. Lubed them. But they seemed very loose in the bore. Couldn't hit anything with them.

[@hogsnplanes]

They are a bit lose, if your metal is too hot they come out small. I keep it around 650 degrees f

[@jaredpeterson380]

@hogsnplanes I know there are some variations in barrels, too. I wonder if a mold with a hole in the base would help seal the bore. Every review I've seen on r.e.a.l bullets was positive.

[@hogsnplanes]

@@jaredpeterson380 You can slug the bore with the REAL bullet to see the rifling using an extraction jag and reduce the load to see if that helps. They don't go in tight.

[@jaredpeterson380]

@hogsnplanes too late. The guy that loaned me the GPR took it back. I gave him the bullets.

[@jeffreyrobinson3555]

An inch and a half or so at fifty yards can’t complain about that. What’s your twist?

[@hogsnplanes]

1 in 32"

[@jeffreyrobinson3555]

hogsnplanes I shoot round ball guns, 1/66, but I got a minie from track of the wolf that was 240 grains in a fifty ( ball is 180 grains) it shot well in a slow twist.

[@hogsnplanes]

@@jeffreyrobinson3555 They work well in both from my experience, well designed.

[@hogsnplanes]

Measure them up first, they do go easier than patch and ball.

[@hogsnplanes]

Good idea, I'll try it.

[@jerrymiller8984]

Impressive!

[@hogsnplanes]

Thanks, they work very well.

[@Hill_Billy_Without_A_Hill]

are the bases on these bullets flat or do they have a cup that expands upon ignition? Your gun shoots better than my T/C triumph w/scope. hat gun iss it?

[@morganfrmn]

I just made some of these with wheel weights, and they seemed to go down my barrel to easy. So i am going to recast them. I have never had something go down so easy and so I am suspicious. I will recast tomorrow and post a video. I am using wheel weights.

[@hogsnplanes]

Just lube, Wads are good when using substitutes, They burn hotter.

[@jacklowe3788]

Guessing you lube these REAL bullets just before you load them or is there some kind of lube that would stay on them while deer hunting maybe little better?

[@hogsnplanes]

Lubing with bore butter prior to loading, you could used liquid alox lube from Lee if you were hunting with them.

[@jacklowe3788]

@@hogsnplanes I read somewhere that a fellow stuffs ox-yoke lubed wonder felt after powder & loads bullets dry w/ good accuracy & no leading lot shots no wiping the bore - I think I'm gonna make some homemade 50/50 Lard - beeswax for cool weather & maybe 75 beeswax to 25 Lard for hot weather for Real Black Powder-

[@hogsnplanes]

@@jacklowe3788 There are so many methods, good thing is most work.

[@robertloew2570]

Try wax toilet rings from plumbing supply or hardware store ,they work great for bullet lube!!!

[@gunut98]

I dont know much about muzzeloaders but do you have to lub the round?

[@cclark8108]

what twist is that rifle? I am trying to decide between the kentucky long rifle kit, hawken rifle, or the pa pellet (wood stock) all flintlock. I like the idea of shooting these bullets instead of round ball. (I live in CA lead free hunting only).

[@hogsnplanes]

C Clark Kentucky is 1 in 66" twist for round ball. I bought a PA pellet flinter about 2 weeks ago but haven't fired it yet. The PA is designed for plastic patched or lubed conicals with a 1 in 48" twist rifling, not so good for round ball but ideal for blasting critters.

[@cclark8108]

+hogsnplanes so that rifle is 1-66 twist? the one in the video? What I am trying to do is wortk up a accurate and easy to load, load for my kentucky long rifle. it is a old cva jukar. I think it is a 1-66 twist

[@jacklowe3788]

@@cclark8108 think that would be 1:48 seeing as it shoots bullets so well? Guess maybe 250gr bullet-

[@johnndavis7647]

For your first rifle i suggest you buy a lyman great plains rifle in percussion. 50 is a good start. Get the slow twist rifling. Shoot it 5 or 10 years then think about a flintlock John Davis jax fl

[@a.b1266]

I just cast about 100 of these today... hope I do as well. 👍

[@hogsnplanes]

Austin Brown You will!

[@rellirTnoraa1]

do you use a wad with the r.e.a.l. bullets or just lube?

[@robertallen6253]

Aaron T no wad

[@scottgraham5753]

Ok. Thank you. I'm gonna give it a shot next week after I cast some.

[@357bullfrog]

Just herd you say it was the hunter model so mines too slow a twist probly. Dang! Just my luck lol

[@rrobertdee907]

the will work

[@TheGunrunn3r]

Curious what range you are shooting at. Edit: never mind.

[@jasonb4350]

Nothing beats the smell of gun powder and hoppies number nine that's the only thing my wife agrees on

[@hogsnplanes]

They do like that smell.

[@michaelborders4674]

Crisco my friend

[@TexasLonghornRanch]

I would like to try some of these powder coated. No lube

[@hogsnplanes]

If you do post it. Would be interesting to see the results.

[@staffordshires2]

I used wheel weights, dropped them in water out of the mold, then powder coated them. They are hard as hell, I have to use a hammer and punch to get them down my 50 cal TC Impact. I think I am going to try not quenching them, and not powder coating..

[@12ernie]

What is the actual brand of that bullet lube?

[@hogsnplanes]

T/C Bore Butter.

[@abseconPC]

490 size for 50 cal or should I go up to the 5 1 0

[@abseconPC]

I know the Chronicles are supposed to be a bit under size and they expand when you shoot

[@hogsnplanes]

It depends, if it's a hollow base yes, flat base like these, not so much. The lee bullets are designed to fit into the rifling during loading and work well.

[@hogsnplanes]

.490 round ball with a patch, 510 conical probably won't fit., you will have to slug your bore.

[@abseconPC]

hogsnplanes how do you slug a bore

[@abseconPC]

if you do a little bit undersized a conical will expand upon fireing

[@Dennis-c1w]

Lard works and is much more traditional...😉

[@hogsnplanes]

Cheaper too.

[@Dennis-c1w]

@@hogsnplanes 👍

[@hogsnplanes]

Base is flat.

[@hogsnplanes]

Yes, I use wonderlube on them.

[@aarontaylor9807]

great video thank you

[@jasonb4350]

That was funny the wife thinks I'm retarded my wife says it to me all the time

[@hogsnplanes]

We must be reminded as we tend to forget these things it seems! :)

[@JoeSmo-jz4dg]

Why in the hell would you set your hammer back down on a hot cap. Completely stupid. Would get you tossed of most ranges I have ever shot at.

[@hogsnplanes]

Nowhere in the video was the hammer left resting on a cap. So with the rifle pointed down range, taking the hammer past half cock to bring it back to half cock is stupid? Don't think so. Lever gun guys do it all the time to get half cock on their rifles pointed down range. Hot cap on that cartridge too. That's why the gun is pointed down range, just in case.

[@freddyjohle3795]

Bad language. Unacceptable.

[@hogsnplanes]

@@freddyjohle3795 Compared to most language on KZbin it’s mild. If your that sensitive stay off public platforms.

[@docjawbreaker]

Your video would be much better with a rehearsal prior to filming. Disorganization makes this video hard to watch .. and listen to.

[@hogsnplanes]

docjawbreaker It’s live and unrehearsed, in other words it’s real. If you don’t like it, watch the fake shit on tv.

[@hogsnplanes]

There was nothing friendly about it, good bye.

[@mrdave2112]

hogsnplanes, live and unrehearsed it the best way to demonstrate the R.E.A.L. bullet. I like your idea of lubing the bullet again before using it; I will try that. Thank you for the video.

[@hogsnplanes]

Thanks and my pleasure, it is take it as it comes video for sure. Down the road I'm going to try pre-lubed with bees wax and shortening.

[@jacklowe3788]

There's always some assholes about! I found your video most informative & ordered the mold as result - Everything you said is true- Hope you make some more vids like this!