Need some help to get started.

Morpheus32

Morpheus32

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A while back I acquired some pure lead with a local CGN member to cast projectiles for muzzleloading, mostly minis and balls. The 4 giant ingots and the new in the box Lee Melter. I have collected a significant collection of Lee and Lyman molds for traditional muzzleloading, so got that covered.

So I think based on my readings, I am good with pure lead for round ball and minis. I also wanted to start loading for shotgun slugs, 45 ACP and 45/70. I also understand pure lead is NOT the best choice for those types of projectiles. I have a mold for a 1 oz slug, but don't have anyting for the 45 and 45/70 (200gr, 230gr for 45 and 405gr for the 45/70)

So, quick questions then....

1. What do I mix with the pure lead to obtain the appropriate mixture and hardness for the slugs, 45 ACP and 45/70?
2. What molds are the best options for the 45 ACP and 45/70?

Do I need other equipment for these?

I appreciate your time and assistance.
 
You can mix the pure 50/50 with clip on wheel weights.

Lee 1oz is fine with pure.

Any mold is fine. I usually run Lee.

I have a NOE 460-405-RF witch comes with several pins so you can make hollowpoints. The Lee 340 grain is still my favourite
 
I think you will find that the element antinomy is needed to make "harder" bullets - at least I understand that is the magic component that allows "heat treating". Pure lead, or 50/50 (lead/tin) does not normally contain antinomy. But wheel weight lead apparently does. So, to get "harder" than pure lead, might try mixing in some wheel weights - maybe even "straight" wheel weights for 45-70. A tool like the Lee Hardness Tester gives you a way to actually verify the "hardness" of your alloy. Lets you compare pure lead to wheel weight to whatever mix you come up with. Before and after "heat treating" to see if it actually does anything. Also, compare what you have an hour after casting, and then 3 months later. I think you will also discover that the diameter of your cast bullet is going to change, from the same mould, as you change the alloy that you use to cast. Always the best to measure for yourself and keep good notes.
 
Potashminer said:
I think you will find that the element antinomy is needed to make "harder" bullets - at least I understand that is the magic component that allows "heat treating". Pure lead, or 50/50 (lead/tin) does not normally contain antinomy. But wheel weight lead apparently does. So, to get "harder" than pure lead, might try mixing in some wheel weights - maybe even "straight" wheel weights for 45-70. A tool like the Lee Hardness Tester gives you a way to actually verify the "hardness" of your alloy. Lets you compare pure lead to wheel weight to whatever mix you come up with. Before and after "heat treating" to see if it actually does anything. Also, compare what you have an hour after casting, and then 3 months later. I think you will also discover that the diameter of your cast bullet is going to change, from the same mould, as you change the alloy that you use to cast. Always the best to measure for yourself and keep good notes.
Click to expand...

Correct on all points above. Small extra hard shot can also be added to pure since it has antimony in it to make it hard.
 
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If you are shooting black powder in the 45-70 the recommendation is usually lead to tin mix of between 20-1 and 40-1. You want them to be pretty soft and bump up to the bore. Pewter is 95% tin or more usually.

If you are shooting smokeless then you want some antimony from wheel weights, linotype or shot. How much depends on how hot you want to load but for handgun and 45-70 half and half is good.
 
The nice folks at Higginson Powders carry the complete LEE line. Go to their site, select catalogues & select LEE.

As for mold choices, LEE has plenty. I have had outstanding success with their 6 cavity 45acp 200 grain mold # 90310.
LEE has 6 45-70 molds! The one Im using is a 2 cavity 340 grain RNFP, # 90373.

After meticulously reloading some medium hard cast & powder coated 340 grain RNFP bullets sized to .459 for my 45-70 lever gun, I cannot wait for our Nanny State gov’t over-reach to finally end. Open Kanada now!
 
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