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Any of y'all cast your own bullets? If so, any suggestions for getting started?
I'm working on acquiring the necessity's to casting.
I'm working on acquiring the necessity's to casting.
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Last edited by Red Angus; 04-09-2021, 10:04 AM. -
Been a "LONG" time since I cast boolits! LOL!
Just like reloading, take extreme caution.
We used to do alot of casting for our black powder rifles.
One guy picked up a dirty spoon to use as a ladle. He washed it and gave it a half hearted dry.
The wet spoon hit the molten lead and it exploded like a shotgun, peppering him with lead shot.
Just be sure when you're casting, you are in a well ventilated area.
Where did you find lead?
I've got about 125 pounds of lead I salvaged from wheel weights and some plumbing lead. The only mould I've got is for a .429, 240 grain pointed bullet.
I'll leave it for you to decide, but I'll never have another aluminum bullet mould.
It gets too hot, too quickly and cools down WAY too fast. Trying to maintain the correct temperature to cast bullets is nearly impossible.
I prefer the steel mould blocks.
P.S. - steel blocks are WAY more expensive but worth the expense! šLast edited by FirstBubba; 04-09-2021, 08:55 AM. -
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Thanks for the input Bubba. I'll keep an eye out for steel moulds.Comment
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I'll check it out PH. Thanks.Comment
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Lyman and Lee both make bullet molds.
I think Lyman will be your best bet.Comment
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Sizers, lube, lead and a couple dozen molds and 2 pots.
Bench in garage. Couple hundred lbs of lead.
When rhe rainy weather hits i might sit out there w some music and spend a weekend.Comment
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Once you get your timing down the mold will stay hot and your bullets will be pretty.
Good ventilation mandatory.
Used to cast on rainy weekends w my dad.
He used to sell damn good boolits at shows.
Passed away last month.
Hell I might even smoke a cigar while I do some.Comment
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Found about 300 maxiballs pops cast up, dropped them off at the LGS to sell.
Not a fan of the Maxiball. Do like the .50.cal.Maxihunter 275gr though. Dunno if TC ever sold molds for themComment
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Never thought of getting into it. I buy from Penn Bullets in Pittsburgh , great variety, good hardness and a good price. and Customer Service.
I buy in 500 boxes and they take me years to use up.
If you do decide, follow all the warnings about handling lead and lead fumes. Lead poisoning is not fun, the lead accumulates in your feet. Just kidding- it is very damaging to a body, even before being shot. .
P.S. the sources of good lead have dried up. a lot of things that were lead are no longer made with lead. anybody that casts has already tied up the remaining sources of good lead.Last edited by jhjimbo; 04-09-2021, 09:55 PM.Comment
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Damn, thanks gramps. Didnt know lead was a riaky thing to mess with.
LOL
Bet you tell folks to not drink and drive on NYE too.
Really, such PSAs dont work.
Either folks act accordingly, or they don't.
Been handling lead for decades and been tested.
Zero issues.
But I dont smoke and wash my hands often
Proly why I don't have other issues.
I see tons of people w poor hygiene and zero common sense. Mostly ethnic types.
Lead seems extra hazardous to them, when delivered at velocity
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I used to like the smell of gas and diesel to but that does not mean it is good for you. drink out of garden hoses and lived in houses with lead pipes, just keep on keeping on doing what you do.Originally posted by CD2 View PostComment
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Well guess i better get to lickin' the 500 or so lbs of lead ingots in the garage.
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BTW i have always hated the smell of gas. And dont like the smell of diesel
I have a pretty wicked sense of smell anyway, but those arent just strong, I dont like them at any level.Comment
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BTW, put about 50# in a 5.56 ammo can. Can go over 70# but that gets a little unwieldy.Comment
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