Cast my first bullets tonight!

[maillemaker]

So I cast my first bullets tonight! 230 grain, round nose. Man, my new 20 pound Lee production pot goes HOT. I got my lead melted, and then turned it down to 6. Checked with a thermometer and I was up over 900 degrees! I added a few more chunks of lead to bring the temp down - finally got a consistent 650 degrees at about level 3.5.

Had a few cold shots and then it made good bullets. I kind of expected crisper grooves, but this is for tumble lube. I'll post pictures tomorrow.

 

[IllinoisCoyoteHunter]

crisper edges require higher temps or a touch of tin. I prefer to run around 725-775*. Keep up the good work!

 

[SigfanP220]

It's tough to beet the Lee setup - nice choice! I too have had trouble filling out the groves totaly. I think a lot of it comes down to the alloy and how clean the lead is. The batch I have in now is filthy.

That reminds me - I should probably cast a few this winter yet. Nothing worse than casing in the summer when it's 90F.

 

[chris in va]

Nice. I need to warm up the garage so I can cast a few 45's as well.

 

[grubbylabs]

I have a new 45 mold I want to get warmed up.

 

[That'll Do]

Congratulations maillemaker!

What kind of mold did you use?

I have an RCBS 45-230-RN (230gr round nose) and a Lyman 452374 (225gr round nose). I love the RCBS mold–it is super easy to cast with, and it closely matches the profile of a standard FMJ bullet. I wish that RCBS made molds larger than 2 cavities, it would sure make casting more efficient.

 

[DiscoRacing]

I spent the last two days casting for 9mm, 40, and 45acp.

Gettin my stock back up for the comeing warmer climate.

 

[maillemaker]

I'm using Lee molds.

Pictures here (scroll to bottom):

http://www.forth-armoury.com/temp/bullets/bullets.htm

Steve

 

[DiscoRacing]

Doesnt look like they are good enough to shoot... send them to me and that way you dont have to hassle with bad bullets.

 

[DiscoRacing]

done a lil more castin today... after we done some clay bustin..

 

[maillemaker]

Nice piles of boolits!!!!

Steve

 

[DiscoRacing]

Tkx Steve...

... like some of the others here... I like to cast this time of year...

... casting when its in the 90s dont take a long time to get rather toasty.

 

[m&p45acp10+1]

Disco I could not agree more. For me perfect weather for casting is cold, wet, and crappy. Since I will not be shooting in God awful weather I can do some casting for when the weather is nice, and all I have to do is go to the range. Shoot to slide lock, reload, and repeat till all ammo is gone. Then go home and start the process all over again.