Lead Shot Makers

Shot is made in a shot tower. Great big things. The molten lead gets dropped through a screen into water, usually, and the pellets are formed naturally. Then they're sorted by size. It's not exactly a home workshop thing.
Round balls for muzzle loaders are a different thing. They're cast or swaged in a mold.
 
Actually there is a home work shop type shot maker. Can't recall who makes it, know one local trap shooter who uses one. Do a web search for lead shot makers/machines etc.
 
I've talked to a few guys that have tried to use a bench top shot maker over the years. Not sure the brand. They say that it can make some ok shot but they are VERY tricky to set up and get running well.

They use a row of very fine apertures for the lead to drip out of so the lead needs to be very clean. The lead temp is very critical and someone just opening the shop door can cool it enough to plug up too.

This outfit lists a similar shotmaker: http://w w w.magmaengineering.com/
 
We ( or should I say a friend I only supply the lead) make all our own shot. It is a bit of work and we use a littleton 8 dripper. It works great once the ingots are made and the lead is clean. I would recommend if you are serious to get a littleton.
 
I've got a Littleton. They are finicky, you have to keep yours temps controlled, and you need clean lead. The drippers are tiny very small particles will plug them up. With a little experience you can make some pretty good shot, not like the stuff at the store but pretty good.

I melt my lead and make ingots in muffin tins, for me a half muffin tin provides the best results in my dripper.

They are frustrating to start out with, but as you learn they work way better.

Have fun with it.
 
hillbillyreefer said:
I've got a Littleton. They are finicky, you have to keep yours temps controlled, and you need clean lead. The drippers are tiny very small particles will plug them up. With a little experience you can make some pretty good shot, not like the stuff at the store but pretty good.

I melt my lead and make ingots in muffin tins, for me a half muffin tin provides the best results in my dripper.

They are frustrating to start out with, but as you learn they work way better.

Have fun with it.
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What size shot can you make with a Littleton? I have heard that they are better at making smaller shot sized shot, not so good at larger sizes like 5-6 and bigger. Any experience with that?
 
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