RE: A question about casting of my own???
 

I did not check them to see how oversized they were, but the one I did load was very hard to get down the bore. The rest were melted and cast into sinkers and jig heads.

Bullets that pass the thumbnail test load fine for me.

RE: A question about casting of my own???
 

REAL's should be cast from pure lead, or at least as pure as you can get it. I have seen them cast from wheel weights and they wouldn't load...period. They couldn't be started beyond the muzzle.
All cast bore size muzzleloading bullets should be made of pure lead so they will obturate to fill the grooves when fired. This is essential for good accuracy. Using a felt wad under the bullet helps also.

Good luck!

HD