Well I have gathered tons of information on copper plating lead cast bullets. So here the plan Caswell has a great kit and information on this specific topic I will run my cast bullets through a custom sizing die shaving .008 off the bullet to make up for the plate thickness of .008 clean them up and then pickel them (it's an acid wash) then electro alkaline flash plate them I will post progress as I go through the steps just waiting for the equipment to show up. Any question tho I will be happy to share what I have learned Andy sugestions I will be happy to listen to
copper plating lead cast bullets
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Bassmaster
CGN frequent flyer
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- WMU 48 - Whitetail country
I also powder coat, and agree on its unbelievable simplicity...however, also looking forward to your progress report on the plating..... always interested in what other people are doing
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I have seen that the reason why not powder coat is it is non malleable copper is softer and I personally think it would be better becouse it won't chip under pressure in the lands and grooves mind you yes is personal opinion
Not trying to rain on your parade and I always admire people who want to try & push the envelope but are you just doing this to experiment or is there some cash savings involved? Seems like a huge amount of work plus the cost of equipment & supplies when commercial plated bullets are already available at not outrageous prices (e.g. around $95-$140/1000 depending on calibre). That being said I'd still like to see how they turn out.
Well this is in the trial run but I also accounted cost the plating kit about 200 bucks Canadian I talk to Caswell they told me that a employee has been doing this for year for 50 cal bullet and get about ten thousand rounds before needing to change plates at about 30 dollars a pop the chemicals use replenish themselves fro the copper plates he said he has never had to change solution for the past 2 years next cost is sizing dies and bullet molds etc then lead I buy pail of wheel weights for 20 a pail. Total set up cost with casting equipment approx 700 bucks. Consumables with changing solution every 10k bullets lead is about 30 copper plates 40 chemicals 120
So say 200 dollars every 10 thousand projectiles
But time I count it as labour of love
And learning exp for all I know it could be a complete disaster
But if it works well I will never have to worry about a projectile shortage lol
So say 200 dollars every 10 thousand projectiles
But time I count it as labour of love
And learning exp for all I know it could be a complete disaster
But if it works well I will never have to worry about a projectile shortage lol
I know what you are talking about it uses root killer I researched this method it is an acid electroplated copper sulfide unfortunately this method dose not hold up when fired out of the gun it is to hard and flakes off prior to leaving the muzzle the kit uses an alkaline copper producing a more ductile plate capable of molding to the lands and grooves of the barrel without flaking off
antiqueguy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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- windsor ontario
that's a odd rule unless they do not have proper ventilation cast would be easier on the backstop
BattleRife
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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- of No Fixed Address
Do you have a copy of ASTM B319, "Standard Guide for Preparation of Lead and Lead Alloys for Electroplating"? I can email you a copy if you need to add this to your library.
I do have a copy of the guides thank you I also have Caswell guide to copper plating cast lead bullets if anyone wants to reveiw a professional pm me and I can email it to you its step by step
- Location
- Van. Is. B.C.
I have been experimenting with plating for a couple of years and trying to get a hard ductile even plate. I am using a DC power supply and my bath is a weak sulphuric acid, distilled water, and copper sulphate mix. Two of my 9mm pistols slug out at .357" so I size my cast to .355" and plate to .357". To achieve an even plate I made a rotating tub that was tilted at a 45 degree angle turned with an old BBQ rotisserie driving a belt around the whole tub. This tub turns about 2 rpm and the bullets slowly roll and fall to the low side exposing a new side to the sacrificial anode. This holds about 3 liters of bath and can plate about 150 9mm 124s at a time. I found that plating as soon after casting while the bullets were still shiny worked better before a layer of oxide or "tarnish" formed on the surface of the cast. I still run them through the sizer again at .357" to add some lube. The plate is not perfect as it is best described as a matte finish except where the sizing die smooths it out.
I found that sizing without lube gets very difficult and when I tried building up a thick layer of plate I had problems with the plate cracking and chipping away. I had hopes of plating paper patch .300 bullets out to .308 and using a gas check to push to above cast lead velocities but until I can solve the chipping I will stick to handgun velocity.
If anybody has any suggestions I would be very grateful.
270 totheend
I found that sizing without lube gets very difficult and when I tried building up a thick layer of plate I had problems with the plate cracking and chipping away. I had hopes of plating paper patch .300 bullets out to .308 and using a gas check to push to above cast lead velocities but until I can solve the chipping I will stick to handgun velocity.
If anybody has any suggestions I would be very grateful.
270 totheend
