Bullet Casting...... It begins!

joedude

joedude

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Location
West of Winnipeg, MB
If anyone cares to watch, I've begun my journey into bullet casting. I'm documenting my progress - partly to help others as I've been helped and partly to open discussion and gain further insight regarding my methods.

Enjoy!

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Great video Joedude! Keep an eye out for painted Lead weights too. Most of the AW and MC type (clip shape for aluminum rims) lead weights are now painted so the lead doesn't rust against the alloy wheel. A quick squeeze with plyers will reveal soft lead underneath.
 
I just shot my first boolits I cast myself tonight. I was veRy surprised how accurate they were, and the best part they only cost my time to make!
 
joedude: scrap wheelweights are usually dusty(usually fine lead and lead oxide dust). Into your lungs and spread around garage is not a good idea for you, the kids, or a pregnant wife. I spread on a frame with wire mesh bottom, over a garbage can, outdoors and upwind. Washing would be a good idea except for the serious risk of a steam explosion(clips dry reluctantly). I usually sort, then melt 100 to 400 lb batches outdoors with 50 lb pot and 80,000 btu propane furnace. Be well.
 
hk33ka1 said:
Great video Joedude! Keep an eye out for painted Lead weights too. Most of the AW and MC type (clip shape for aluminum rims) lead weights are now painted so the lead doesn't rust against the alloy wheel. A quick squeeze with plyers will reveal soft lead underneath.
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That Makes sense, thanks!

glycerin said:
joedude: scrap wheelweights are usually dusty(usually fine lead and lead oxide dust). Into your lungs and spread around garage is not a good idea for you, the kids, or a pregnant wife. I spread on a frame with wire mesh bottom, over a garbage can, outdoors and upwind. Washing would be a good idea except for the serious risk of a steam explosion(clips dry reluctantly). I usually sort, then melt 100 to 400 lb batches outdoors with 50 lb pot and 80,000 btu propane furnace. Be well.
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That's some great advise. Although you can't see it, I have 2 garage doors open, side door and windows open so it all creates a good draft - but just to be safe, I'll sort outside next time. That's where I smelt anyhow so no big deal. My wife, daughter and my lungs thank you!

Rotaxpower said:
I just shot my first boolits I cast myself tonight. I was veRy surprised how accurate they were, and the best part they only cost my time to make!
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Awesome isn't it?!!!! I love this stuff!
 
watching your other videos, you need a new bench! to flexible. but great videos, maybe on the bit to much talking side, but those often have lots of good info.
 
I sorted about 300lbs of weights last fall, found a lot of zinc weights also.
That is something you should also address when you do your sort and when you do your first smelt. Other than that, well done.
 
Spawn-Inc said:
watching your other videos, you need a new bench! to flexible. but great videos, maybe on the bit to much talking side, but those often have lots of good info.
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Yeah, I know - that's all I have to start so I'm making due. I have a corner of my basement corded off for a future gun/reloading room but for now the old office desk will have to do. Also I'm recording as I'm learning so I'm definitely not a pro instructor... maybe I could use a script... Thanks for watching!

Rocket Surgery said:
Do you use muffin pans to pour the ingots?
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Yes - and I'll be trying those silicone ones soon. They're on sale at Can tire this week.

209jones said:
I sorted about 300lbs of weights last fall, found a lot of zinc weights also.
That is something you should also address when you do your sort and when you do your first smelt. Other than that, well done.
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Ya I did forget to mention the Zinc factor. Although, correct me if I'm wrong - Don't Zinc weights make a "ping" when doing the sound test? So they end up with the steel ones.
 
Zinc weight are stamped "Zn" as in the periodic table identifier, and also there a bunch of steel ones out there, marked "Fe". I'm seeing them every day, since it's tire season here at the garage.

Steel won't melt into your lead, so it's not an issue, but if you run hot enough the zinc will.
 
I don't worry about sorting my weights. I just scoop out what ever is floating on the top as soon as the pot becomes liquid. This way the melt doesn't get hot enough to melt the zinc. Much easier than sorting all the wheel weights.
 
tbooker said:
I don't worry about sorting my weights. I just scoop out what ever is floating on the top as soon as the pot becomes liquid. This way the melt doesn't get hot enough to melt the zinc. Much easier than sorting all the wheel weights.
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True, but I don't have a thermometer that can withstand such temperatures so I don't really know when I'm at the right temperature or when I've gotten my lead too hot.

AFAIK Lead melts in the low 300's and Zinc in the low 400's (Degrees C). Not much difference to me, esp. since I'm just using a propane stove (hard to regulate temp). I do my best to keep it at the lowest temperature to allow the lead to melt but can't know for sure so I sort to 'try' and catch em before I ruin a melt.

Thanks for your input!
 
100 degrees C is quite a bit. It won't happen in a couple of min. You should have lots of time between when the pot becomes liquid and 400 degrees to skim off the zinc weights.
 
I'm quite new to casting as well but I wouldn't toss the stick on weights. From what I've been told they are usually closer to pure lead. Even if you aren't going to use them you could trade them or give them to someone who muzzle loads.
 
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