Q: Round ball casting. Cutting the sprue?

[OneBarfly]

Sorry, I guess this could go in the black powder section, but thought that you guys may have more general expirience.

I was doing some casting of .44 round balls with a dixie mold - the single type without a sprue cutter.

I'm just wondering how "neat" the cutting of the sprue can be. Is it OK to leave a little teat or should it be filed flat. Thoughts? Does it matter. BTW - bullet weight was 137-140 grains is that normal? What do you use to cut it, just side cutters?

 

[tootall]

most of the time I use Maxi-balls, but when I do use round balls, I make sure to place the sprue part in the same position (straight up) each time.

 

[ben hunchak]

With a bag mold(no sprue cutter) use side cutters and a file and as tootall sugests, place sprue in same position for every shot!