anyone here cast their own bullets

[revenger 473]

Was thinking about casting my own .45acp bullets  LSWC  ( I can get as many old wheel weights as I need)  I have never done this and would like to know what exactly do I need,

 

 I'm guessing a melting pot

                         correct molds and handle

                         sizer and a way to lube them.

 

 anyone recommend anything else and how to do it.

 

  Thanks    

 

 

[gfl216 226]

I cast 7/8 oz 12 ga slugs. While I have never used wheel weights I have read that most of them are not pure lead and therefore do not cast well. Not sure if this is true but that's what I've read.

[T Bill 649]

Unless you can assay the lead, casting with wheel weights can be a hit or miss process.  Not all weights were made with the proper tin and antimony.  I'll let the pros do their magic and avoid the problems.

[Pizza Bob 1,488]

Current wheelweights have too much of a zinc component. If the ones you have/can get are truly "old" then you are probably OK. The sizer is also the vehicle for lubricating the cast bullet (luber/sizer). If these are to be for your .45 ACP revolvers, you are better off casting a 230 gr RN. For your semi's the H&G 68 200 gr SWC is the nutz.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

[fatty 241]

make sure the area you're doing this in is VERY well ventilated... 

[T Bill 649]

And your upwind.

 

make sure the area you're doing this in is VERY well ventilated... 

[revenger 473]

so RN 230 grain is better than the H&G 68 for a revolver,    currently I use the 200 and 185 lswc several of the mail order makers (swaged and hard cast) ,  didn't think the RN would be that good.   Is it just for ease of loading with a moon clip.   I have also experimented with Matts 165gr full WC for revolver loading light for old 1917 s&w.

 

thanks 

[Pizza Bob 1,488]

 Is it just for ease of loading with a moon clip.

 

Yes. And if you chamfer the charge holes, the gun practically loads itself.

[302w 83]

For a revolver I would use a LSWC. I have molds by most manufacturers and I use Lee. Six cavity, great designs, and light.

 

I like wide metplats. I would find a SWC of your choice by Lee.

 

Wheel weights aren't bad but you need to sort them. I don't have a source anymore but I had no problem sorting the lead from zinc and steel. Wheel weights are an excellent alloy.

[fishnut 2,358]

If anyone is looking for lead let me know. I have already sorted wheel weights (it's really easy to tell lead front zinc), old birdshot, and old slugs and buckshot. I was planning on casting my own but I'll probably never get around to it.

[leadunderpressure 52]

Fishnut. I can always use lead. Let me know.

[John Boy 6]

Was thinking about casting my own .45acp bullets  LSWC  ( I can get as many old wheel weights as I need)  I have never done this and would like to know what exactly do I need,

Based on the responses, not many real casters ...

Needs:

Accurate Mold Multi Cavity H&G 68 clone .. http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=45-200H-D.png - pay attention from Accurate how to break in an aluminum mold

How to Cast Your Own Bullets... http://www.zjstech.net/gunstuff/casting.html

* Thermometer ... http://www.teltru.com/p-272-big-green-egg-primo-komodo-grill-dome-or-other-kamado-style-replacement-thermometer-lt225r-5-inch-stem-2001000-degrees-f.aspx

* Lead, best alloy is Lyman #2 - Bhn 15.4 (Source- RotoMetals)

* Wood chips fluxes the melt cheaply

* A steel soup spoon to skim the dross from the melt.  Drill holes on one side of of the spoon so the melt goes back into the pot

* Paraffin lubes the mold pins and leaves no residue

* Two tin cans: one to put the dross in and another to put the cut sprues in.  Do not put the cut sprues back into the pot while casting

The key to nice bullets is: Heat the mold (after break in for aluminum's) and the melt in the pot to a temperature so after a 5 second pour, the sprue puddle frosts in 5 seconds ,,, then cut the sprue with the sprue plate

The 8-Phase Casting Cycle ... http://www.longrangebpcr.com/8Phases.htm

 

I ladle pour and here are some tools of the 'trade' ...

[mikeyjones 88]

And your upwind.

 

 

While this is a generally good idea to wear a respirator and not breath the stuff in, fact of the matter is that lead doesn't vaporize at the temperatures used to cast it.  I would still suggest doing it outside, more because of the heater/fire component.

[fishnut 2,358]

Fishnut. I can always use lead. Let me know.

if you want to come to Flemington and pick it up its yours PM me

[reed338 11]

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/645810/lee-pro-4-20-lb-furnace-110-volt

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/466811/lee-alox-bullet-lube-4-oz-liquid

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/336035/lee-6-cavity-bullet-mold-452-200-swc-45-acp-45-auto-rim-45-colt-long-colt-452-diameter-200-grain-semi-wadcutter

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/117892/lee-commercial-bullet-mold-handles-for-6-cavity-lee-bullet-molds

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/161177/lee-lead-dipper

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/593033/frankford-arsenal-cleancast-lead-fluxing-compound-1-lb

 

 

this is the setup I have and use. I cast the bullets let them cool off some while still warm put in a coffee can lube and shake and let dry

. as long as the mold you use is sized right you don't have to size the bullets .just lube and go