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Recent Posts

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91
General Interest / Re: FLUXING
« Last post by No Powder on January 10, 2026, 02:08:37 PM »
Thanks guys. I always thought that fluxing would mix all the impurities and lead together and then there wouldn't be anything coming to the top to skim off. Like usual, I must have figured wrong. I use to put a little paraffin or bees wax in, but I believe I'll be fluxing a little more often. I probably have all the round balls I need. But I'll still make some more because I like doing it. Make most of mine with a bag mold, so it takes a little more time. Cutting sprue and smoothing them a bit.
92
General Interest / Re: FLUXING
« Last post by doggoner on January 10, 2026, 11:58:07 AM »
Quote from: LongWalker on January 10, 2026, 01:04:25 AM
Quote from: No Powder on January 09, 2026, 05:53:54 PM
From what I'm reading, it doesn't matter what kind of sawdust or shavings you use. Is that correct?
Pretty much.  It has to be DRY, you don't want to risk adding wet sawdust or shavings and getting a visit from the tinsel fairies.

I stick with sawdust from poplar/pine/oak/cherry (but those are the woods I cut the most).  Sticking with the lighter-colored woods makes it easier for me to see if I'm getting woods that I know will mess up my sinuses.  But they all work. 

YMMV, of course.

The dry part is VERY important!! The tinsel fairy comes with heat you don't want on your person. The wood chips from my planer are free (sort of- I did pay for the wood it comes from.) and they don't have to by thrown away. I also use them in my bee smoker for tending to my bees. Again, good luck in your casting adventures.

P.S If your cast for those other unmentionable type rifles/pistols, One part 50/50 solder added to 9 parts wheel weight lead (clip-on type) will give you a melt very close to Lyman #2 alloy which is the unofficial standard for those unmentionable types.

doggoner
93
General Interest / Re: FLUXING
« Last post by RobD on January 10, 2026, 05:57:09 AM »
Quote from: Salty on December 31, 2025, 04:10:18 PM
A few questions for you experienced LRB casters...

Do you cast with "pure lead?

As "pure" as possible, which will never ever be 100% pure.  For cast ML balls, it won't matter much.  For other cast projectiles specifically for long distance shooting, particularly those that require a bit more hardness by alloying with tin, slick/bullet composition is important.

Do you cast with a bottom pour or a dipper?

NEVER bottom pour - most of us in BPCR will only ladle via "compression casting".

Do you flux it?
What do you use for flux?

YES and YES - DRY wood dust or candle wax.  Anything wet introduced into a pot of molten lead is asking for trouble.

Do you stir it in and skim from the surface?

YES - stir well and then skim off the dross.

If you bottom pour, is it really necessary to flux, mix and skim?

Yes ... but again, I won't ever  use a bottom pour furnace again.


I am trying to get as pure a lead ball as possible. I suspect that impurities in the lead pot affect the weight and accuracy of the ball.

Sure will ... but in reality it's air or dirty lead that'll be the biggest issue.  Compression casting with a ladle is the way to go, at least for me and most BPCR shooters.

94
General Interest / Re: FLUXING
« Last post by No Powder on January 10, 2026, 05:48:17 AM »
Gotcha!!! :hairy
95
The Campfire / Re: Uncle Russ, where are you
« Last post by LongWalker on January 10, 2026, 01:07:39 AM »
I think I've seen him post over on the Muzzleloading forum in the past few days, you might try contacting him there.
96
General Interest / Re: FLUXING
« Last post by LongWalker on January 10, 2026, 01:04:25 AM »
Quote from: No Powder on January 09, 2026, 05:53:54 PM
From what I'm reading, it doesn't matter what kind of sawdust or shavings you use. Is that correct?
Pretty much.  It has to be DRY, you don't want to risk adding wet sawdust or shavings and getting a visit from the tinsel fairies.

I stick with sawdust from poplar/pine/oak/cherry (but those are the woods I cut the most).  Sticking with the lighter-colored woods makes it easier for me to see if I'm getting woods that I know will mess up my sinuses.  But they all work. 

YMMV, of course.
97
General Interest / Re: FLUXING
« Last post by No Powder on January 09, 2026, 05:53:54 PM »
From what I'm reading, it doesn't matter what kind of sawdust or shavings you use. Is that correct?
98
General Interest / Re: FLUXING
« Last post by doggoner on January 09, 2026, 02:39:23 PM »
The best advice given here is to FLUX,FLUX and FLUX again. Most any carbon based item will flux your lead pot. Bees wax is very expensive, canning wax is too. I use the wood shavings from my planer. You could use wood chips sold as bedding material for snakes etc or chicken nest lining. The trick is to flux often and stir the pot while fluxing. Skim the ash and you should have a sliver mirror surface on the old lead pot. Good luck with your casting adventures.

doggoner
99
The Campfire / Re: changes?
« Last post by Jim in Wisconsin on January 09, 2026, 08:14:21 AM »
I Love a Mystery!
100
The Campfire / Re: Uncle Russ, where are you
« Last post by Two Steps on January 09, 2026, 06:44:13 AM »
I see him on FB every day or so?haven?t heard anything from the Beav?
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