started casting some bullets this morning and i don't know why but all my bullets are coming out wrinkeld. i heat up my mold like they say in the book, i flux it, although i'm to sure i fluxed it alot, and i soothed the cavity. any input would be gladly appreciated.
question for you casting gurus
- Thread starter gaudzy
- Start date
That is a sign of the mould or lead not being hot enough, or you are pouring the lead in too slow.
If it's a new mold, clean it thoroughly with solvent to ensure it's free of oil.
What alloy are you using? Wheelweight?
Increase the melt temperature a bit, and start dropping bullets. Fill the mold, let it sit a few seconds (so the mold can absorb some of the heat) and drop the bullet. The sprue should take about five seconds to solidify once you've got the heat of the melt and the mold in the right range.
If after about a dozen, the bullets are still wrinkly then I'd be wondering about the alloy you're using.
What alloy are you using? Wheelweight?
Increase the melt temperature a bit, and start dropping bullets. Fill the mold, let it sit a few seconds (so the mold can absorb some of the heat) and drop the bullet. The sprue should take about five seconds to solidify once you've got the heat of the melt and the mold in the right range.
If after about a dozen, the bullets are still wrinkly then I'd be wondering about the alloy you're using.
- Location
- The Conservative part of Ontario
Heat of the lead itself would be my guess.
The mould will heat itself up after a few bullets, but not if the melt is too cold.
The mould will heat itself up after a few bullets, but not if the melt is too cold.
Sounds to me like your mold has some oil on it. That or you are casting your lead at to low of temperatures. I clean my molds with liquid soap, using an old toothbrush. Dry thoroughly and I am good to go. Sometimes it takes a few dastings to bring your mold up to temperature as well.
Take Care
Bob
Take Care
Bob
Your lead and/or your mold is not hot enough, turn the heat up and cast faster until either you get frosted bullets or sprue is not hard enough...then you can slow down and cast nice bullets forever....this advise is not meant for a Lee mold as they heat up too fast and cool down too fast.....once you are casting nice bullets, fire up a second mold and use two at a time, alternating between them. This gives each mold time for the sprue to set up and helps reduce frosting on bullets. If mixture is not pouring well you either need more heat in the pot or add tin. Tin makes mixture flow better and produces a better bullet, a bullet that will expand but not break up on game.
