Casting Round Balls and Conicals

[smokepolepaul]

I'm just getting started in casting round balls and conicals.  I'll be using 99.9% pure lead from Roto Metals.

I would like input regarding a good starting point for lead temperature when pouring.  I'm using Lee aluminum molds.

I searched the forum but didn't see the info I was looking.  Any guidance/suggestions would be much appreciated.


Paul

[Fyrstyk]

I try to keep my pot at 700-750 degrees on my thermometer. Start with a full pot, cause as you add more lead the temp will go down.  If the balls/bullets come out frosty the temp is too high, if they are wrinkled, then the lead is too cool.  Put the rejects back into the pot.

[smokepolepaul]

Thank you sir.  I appreciate the info.

Paul

[One Shot]

SmokePole

Here is a link to a excellent downloadable book; From Ingot To Target. Geared to handgunners but principles remain the same for casting.

http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell_Book_textonly2.pdf

[smokepolepaul]

Thank you for the info and your service to our country One Shot.

God bless you.

Paul

[dave951]

For round ball, pot temp about 750F. You didn't mention your pot or pour method. When I'm casting 69cal RB, I run the pot at about 750F, bottom pour, put sprue back in immediately. I try to keep the pot about half full both for thermal mass and to keep a fairly consistent pour "pressure" from the nozzle. Flux when you recharge the pot. I use cedar sawdust and a small chunk of parafin.

Lee molds (and most aluminum ones) come to operating temp fast. You might benefit from some 2cycle oil lubing the sprue plate pivot point. At the risk of angering some, I'm generally not a fan of Lee molds. They are built to a price point and as such are great for new casters to get started. Once you're spent a bit of time casting and can try some RCBS, Lyman, Accurate, etc molds, you'll see the difference and why the others cost more. I currently have only one (1) Lee mold I actively use in casting. It's a flat nose "wadcutter" minie that looks like an old school trashcan. It shoots great out of my Parker Hales, but sadly, Lee has discontinued this mold. I bought a couple spares as back ups off fleebay.

If you're new to casting, there are much, much less expensive place to get lead. I have a local scrap yard that sells xray room lead at spot price. So I'm getting darn near pure lead for about $.92/lb last time I went there. Many times I can cut it into strips with no contaminants on it and go straight to the pot without having to smelt it into ingots.

[smokepolepaul]

For round ball, pot temp about 750F. You didn't mention your pot or pour method. When I'm casting 69cal RB, I run the pot at about 750F, bottom pour, put sprue back in immediately. I try to keep the pot about half full both for thermal mass and to keep a fairly consistent pour "pressure" from the nozzle. Flux when you recharge the pot. I use cedar sawdust and a small chunk of parafin.

Lee molds (and most aluminum ones) come to operating temp fast. You might benefit from some 2cycle oil lubing the sprue plate pivot point. At the risk of angering some, I'm generally not a fan of Lee molds. They are built to a price point and as such are great for new casters to get started. Once you're spent a bit of time casting and can try some RCBS, Lyman, Accurate, etc molds, you'll see the difference and why the others cost more. I currently have only one (1) Lee mold I actively use in casting. It's a flat nose "wadcutter" minie that looks like an old school trashcan. It shoots great out of my Parker Hales, but sadly, Lee has discontinued this mold. I bought a couple spares as back ups off fleebay.

If you're new to casting, there are much, much less expensive place to get lead. I have a local scrap yard that sells xray room lead at spot price. So I'm getting darn near pure lead for about $.92/lb last time I went there. Many times I can cut it into strips with no contaminants on it and go straight to the pot without having to smelt it into ingots.

Thank you for your advice and suggestions.  I appreciate it very much.  I plan to upgrade my molds when I can.

Paul 

[Winter Hawk]

Here's how to make those Lee molds better, by "Leementing":

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?32584-Leementing-Documentation-w-Photos

Have fun!

~Kees~

[smokepolepaul]

Here's how to make those Lee molds better, by "Leementing":

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?32584-Leementing-Documentation-w-Photos

Have fun!

~Kees~

Thank you for the info Winter Hawk.

Paul

[doggoner]

Smokeploepaul

You may want to try this style of Lee-Menting your molds.

http://castpics.net/dpl/index.php/the-library/moulds/282-lee-menting-a-mold

this is worth the read anyway.

doggoner