Bullet casting, back at it after 20 years siesta.

[rodauto]

Just started back into casting in the last year or 2 after having a whole pot full of lead explode about 20 years ago due to what I think was a jacketed lead slug that was wet being added to the pot. Was using range scrap and didn't let it dry enough I guess.

I now melt my range scrap/ wheel weights in a cast iron pot on my propane burner, not in the casting pot, more efficient and probably safer as it has a lid plus I don't add fresh scrap to a pot full of lead any more.

I started off again now with Lee 20 pound pot and some Lee moulds. Had some issues mostly related to the bullet caster, (ME) having to learn all over again.

The Lee moulds had some issues related to alignment pin "misalignment" and other minor issues but made some pretty nice bullets. Decided to "bite the bullet" as they say and bought some Lyman, RCBS, and Ideal moulds here on GunNutz and Ebay. (Antiques?}
Pictures of the new bullets cast in the last week.

Hope this works, haven't posted pictures for some time.

 

[yomomma]

Good job. I have to shoot my stash before i start casting again...probably take me until spring.

 

[gnmontey]

Welcome back to the hobby and nice casts!

I couldn't achieve those kind of results until I put a PID controller on my pot.

PCing is kind of interesting isn't it.

M

 

[yomomma]

Welcome back to the hobby and nice casts!

I couldn't achieve those kind of results until I put a PID controller on my pot.

PCing is kind of interesting isn't it.

M

I think i built him one...

 

[rodauto]

I think i built him one...

No, but you helped me to get started on the casting trail again with advice and a tour of your setup. Much appreciated!

 

[yomomma]

No, but you helped me to get started on the casting trail again with advice and a tour of your setup. Much appreciated!

So many faces and so many people...iirc you stopped by once or twice. I think i built one for slug????? Maybe

 

[rodauto]

Welcome back to the hobby and nice casts!

I couldn't achieve those kind of results until I put a PID controller on my pot.

PCing is kind of interesting isn't it.

M

Yes, PID works great, can quickly turn the heat up or down depending on the mould used, works even better after I built a second one for the hotplate to preheat the moulds. The PC is still something I need to master sometimes to thin or too thick but havent had any leading in my pistols or rifles in the 1 1/2 to 2 years that I've been doing it.

 

[rodauto]

I came over to get some 50-50 lead/ tin bars you were selling at a really good price. Too far for regular visits but really enjoyed the visit.

 

[lpel]

I had quit casting for likely 20 years till I discovered PC. I am now re hooked. Casting for 45-70, 45 ACP, 44 Mag, 40, 30-30, 357. Experimenting with 223 and will be ordering a 9 mm mould soon.

Love P.C. Always enjoyed casting but not so much the lubing aspect.

 

[yomomma]

I came over to get some 50-50 lead/ tin bars you were selling at a really good price. Too far for regular visits but really enjoyed the visit.

Next time you are in the area stop by. Always have lead and coffee...i have a bunch of 50/50 stick around somewhere.

 

[slug]

So many faces and so many people...iirc you stopped by once or twice. I think i built one for slug????? Maybe

Nope! Not for me.

 

[oldrodder]

I think i built him one...

You built me one....use it every casting session and I love it.
Thanks again,
Mike

 

[hatman1793]

Ah.......the lure of powder coating......and "tool blue" too!
Very nice pics....

 

[rodauto]

Tool blue was one of the first powders recommended by a lot of people on GN a couple years ago when I wanted to start powdercoating. Works pretty good on most of my bullets, just have some trouble in the summer when humidity is high. Preheating the bullets and putting them in the vibratory tumbler for a while seems to help. Sure gets some strange looks and lots of questions at the range though.