finally finished my shotmaker :)

KMD4839 said:
What temp are you trying to keep the coolant At? When you done washing the shot do you go straight to the shell or does it get coated with graphite? Great post thanks for putting it up !!!
Click to expand...

I had my coolant set temperature at 33 Celcius (=91.4 F) and the controller margin is set at plus or minus 2 degrees.
According to Mr. Steward (from "the better shot maker") the coolant should be between 90 and 150 F.
Don't know what works best since I have not experimented with different temperatures yet.

After the shot has dried you could load it but graphite coating might help in preventing bridging of shot in the loader.
I need to make a tumbler with a round drum first so I can coat the shot.....looks like this hobby never ends LOL.
 
bertn said:
I had my coolant set temperature at 33 Celcius (=91.4 F) and the controller margin is set at plus or minus 2 degrees.
According to Mr. Steward (from "the better shot maker") the coolant should be between 90 and 150 F.
Don't know what works best since I have not experimented with different temperatures yet.

After the shot has dried you could load it but graphite coating might help in preventing bridging of shot in the loader.
I need to make a tumbler with a round drum first so I can coat the shot.....looks like this hobby never ends LOL.
Click to expand...

A bucket and a broom handle to stir the shot and graphite is the cheapest and very easy to do . It takes very little time to coat the shot.
 
At a farm feed and seed supply. Its called seed slik,
Gets used for coating seeds so the seeds flow better through the planter equipment.
 
That looks like a very nice setup you've got there bertn. I made a shot maker last year and I've reloaded approx 3000 12g shotshells with "un-graphited" #7-1/2 shot, using a Mec Grabber. So far, I've only had a very few cases of the shot bridging in the drop tube.

I'm using a 110V, 1500W hot plate element and I feel it is barely up to the job. What kind of heating element are you using??
 
Otto V said:
That looks like a very nice setup you've got there bertn. I made a shot maker last year and I've reloaded approx 3000 12g shotshells with "un-graphited" #7-1/2 shot, using a Mec Grabber. So far, I've only had a very few cases of the shot bridging in the drop tube.

Hi Otto,
I'm using a 110V, 1500W hot plate element and I feel it is barely up to the job. What kind of heating element are you using??
Click to expand...

I have an 8 inch stove top element in it (240v 2400w), like the one in the link below, but mine is salvaged from the scrap yard so it cost next to nothing.
https://www.homehardware.ca/en/rec/index.htm/Plumbing-Electrical/Electrical/Appliance-Parts/Stove-Range/Burners/8-Spade-Stove-Top-Replacement-Element/_/N-ntjww/R-I3713832
Downside is that you need a 240 receptacle so you might need to run a new wire to your shot making area if you don't have 240v yet.
Was not a problem for me because I have a 60amp subpanel in my shed so more than enough juice.

Why are you not graphite coating? It costs hardly anything and if you put a little bit in a tub with shot and swish it around a bit then it's coated very easily.
Maybe the lubed shot gives you some more velocity :)
 
Graphite for the shot is a must. Beside the bridging in the press issue, shot without graphite will cause problems when going through the forcing cone of the barrel and through the chokes. They've been using graphite for shot for at least 100 years now and is all for a reason. But is up to everyone to do as desired.
 
bertn said:
I have an 8 inch stove top element in it (240v 2400w), like the one in the link below, but mine is salvaged from the scrap yard so it cost next to nothing.

Why are you not graphite coating? It costs hardly anything and if you put a little bit in a tub with shot and swish it around a bit then it's coated very easily. Maybe the lubed shot gives you some more velocity :)
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply, I might upgrade the element on mine.

Re graphite . . . as I said, so far it's been working OK for me without it. I might give it a try someday though. I've got some powdered graphite and the broom handle/bucket method sounds simple.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom