Thinking about casting.

[nbedford]

I cast bullets for many years using the same equipment you will be getting. It always helps to 'warm' up the molds by casting a few bullets. Bullets from 'cold' are usually deformed. I only used wheel weights and to a 20 pound pot I would add one pound of lead solder (the solder without the liquid flux in it). That would add a little extra hardness to the alloy for shooting 1300 fps rounds. Always cast in a well ventilated place, ie: not your basement workshop. I quit casting bullets when prices for lead bullets became affordable in 500 count containers.

The Ingots to Targets manual had a very good idea on warming up the mold; since the sprue cutter takes the longest to heat up, they recommended putting the mold upside down (sprue cutter down) on the mold. I tried that suggestion on Saturday and it worked like a charm.

 

[fredj338]

I have a guy I go to for tires, and some repairs,,
I asked if he would sell me one of the buckets of wheel weights he had by the tire machine,,

He told me to bring a bucket,, I went to Lowes and got a blue bucket,,

Well I returned, he said back your truck over here,,
We lifted one of the full buckets on the back of my truck,
it has to weigh 200 pounds, easily,,

He refused ANY money, I even offered to buy lunch,, NOPE,,

I think he saves the weights as trading fodder for his regular tire customers,,
Other tire stores said they had a waiting list for the weights,, to "BUY" them.

Now, I gotta sort out the zinc, and steel weights,, I watched a video on how to sort,,,

If there are many zinc weights, I will make a hanging weight for my tractor, similar to the 42 pound iron weights I use.

If you get 60# out of that bucket I would be surprised. I stopped chasing the lead ww years ago, far too many steel & zinc & work. Berm mining is my best scrap source. If you just take the lead bullets, like 98% useable alloy. Still, if it were free & you have time, why not.

 

[dave1918a2]

Looks like a good way to start casting. Lots of books to read, but the Lyman cast bullet handbook is plenty good. I didn't use a heater on My sizers for a couple of decades. Wish I had. Got a Lyman and wish it was around 30 years ago. Get one, You won't regret it.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Did it for a long time,
Mostly 38-357 and 44s.
I found bullet casting to be a very fun and satisfying activity
When I did it, I was zoned in.
Family knew do not disturb the Big Guy when he's casting unless the house is on fire!

 

[Ruger 13]

I've been casting my own bullets for 48 years and I see no reason to buy jacketed bullets for any of my guns. That includes rifles, revolvers, pistols!

 

[rockquarry]

I've been casting my own bullets for 48 years and I see no reason to buy jacketed bullets for any of my guns. That includes rifles, revolvers, pistols!

One big advantage to the .30-40 cartridge is that you can easily load heavy cast bullets (200 -220 grains) to the same velocities (at or beyond 2,000 fps) as jacketed bullets of the same weight and get good accuracy if your cast bullet skills are least a little past beginner level. And, if you've got ideal bullet fit, you can cast a relatively soft bullet that will expand and not lead the bore. Of course, bullet expansion is a must for a hunting bullet.