Wanting to learn the art of casting bullits

[44magsam]

Been reloading for a couple months and paying through the nose for bullets. Time to start casting and no better place to learn than a good forum. I have several questions for you good folks. 1) In looking for equipment I have looked at a Lyman’s "Master Bullet Casting Kit" (Lyman's "Master Bullet Casting Kit" 115 volt 2712000 | eBay) and am totally confused. I thought all you needed was a melting pot and a mold and I see in this kit other equipment. I see everything in the picture except a bullet mold itself. What is the other equipment for that I am seeing? (4500 Bullet Sizer/Lubricator, top punch and sizing die, ingot mold) 2) what can I expect to pay for lead? 3) Is eBay the best place to buy lead?
Any help to help me to get started will be appreciated
Big Sam

 

[ronnie gore]

bullets

i started casting 35 or so years ago, i started with a saeco electric lead pot, but it did not last long, i went to lee lead pots and they are still running and they are cheap. i use lyman molds,and lee molds, i like the lee molds because you can get them cheap and they make great bullets. i have a lyman lubrisizer but hardly ever use it as most of my molds are of the tumble lube design and use the lee liquid lube.
i always got lead wheel weights for free but everyone wants to charge for them now, i am glad i got enought to last the rest of my life, if you have to buy the lead i don't know how cheap you will be able to come out .
check with midway for supplies.
becareful buying wheel weights there are a lot of zinc and steel ones being used now.

 

[Ziptar]

Sam,
In order to do it correctly and safely you will need more than just a mold and a pot. You Don't need a whole bunch to get started but you should definitely learn some before you buy anything at all.

There is no place better on the internet or the planet to start learning than the Cast Boolits forum, http://castboolits.gunloads.com go sign up and start reading.

As for paying for lead, I don't but on the CB forum going rate is $1.00 a pound shipped for range lead ingots. I'd stay away from the lead on eBay, no idea what's in or how clean it is.

 

[shooter37]

Sam,
I've been casting for almost 50 years and the only suggestion I have for you is READ.
Get on Amazon.com and type in bullet casting... look at the RCBS and/or Lyman casting handbooks and some others.
Your best investment is a book, then shop.
Good luck
Al

 

[ILLWIND]

Around here lead is about $1.00/lb. I use a 20# Lee pot and have many Lee and Lyman molds. It is satisfying to see the mold(s) dropping shiny bullets. I get out of it what I put into it. I have 2 Lyman lubri-sizers and some molds don't need sizing, most do. Bullets are lubed at the same time as sizing. The new Lyman manual is a great reference.
Keep the lead pot clean by fluxing. Flux is needed to clean the pot while casting. I use paraffin wax. Have fun....

 

[44magsam]

thanks gentlemen for the reply's and help