Bullet casting
- Thread starter KYregular
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243winxb
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AJC1
Member
For that price you could get 5x the quantity of foundry quality lead from rotometals. If you have hunting requirements just shoot solids.
AJC1
Member
What exactly are you trying to do. The more precise the information, the better we can help.
Pretty sure he is in California, where they banned lead bullets. Bismuth is cool, but expensive.
AJC1
Member
I thought it did, but I may be wrong. The writing is on the wall in California though. Either move or seek alternatives are your only choices.
AJC1
Member
So I just checked, seems lead is banned for hunting only. At least for now. Sorry about your plight. Good luck.
AJC1
Member
How does it go? If we don't hang together, we will certainly hang separately
OP
OP
KYregular
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- Jan 4, 2018
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- 760
Been reloading for years, just thinking about staring casting my own. Ran across this and wondered if it was worth it. Dont look like it is, ill probably just use lead and powder coat.
bullseye308
Member
Definitely go with lead. Cast bullets site has a bunch for sale usually and it is good quality and a heck of a lot cheaper.
Cattleman45
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- May 20, 2020
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- 6
Not to steal some else’s thread but I just bought a new Pietta 1873 SAA copy in .357 magnum and am considering getting a lee hand loader for it. Mainly because here in eastern ky (I’m sure it’s the same everywhere else right now) ammo is impossible to find and if you are able to find it then the price is jacked way way up. Long story short from what I’m seeing casting your own bullets is the way to really save money (well more than $5-$10).
So the question is what all does someone need to have/ need to know to start this adventure other than molds. Any advice, knowledge, recommendations greatly appreciated
So the question is what all does someone need to have/ need to know to start this adventure other than molds. Any advice, knowledge, recommendations greatly appreciated
Glenn Berryhill
Member
I'm just getting started so wait till the experts chime in. But, based on everything I've purchased and learned, you will probably not save much, if any unless you shoot a lot and have a good supply of lead. I already had a fair amount of lead so that is one of the reasons I kept buying equipment. Just like ammo, supplies and equipment for casting bullets are fairly scarce. I'm starting with .357 magnum too. I will probably attempt to cast my first bullets in a couple of days. Again, I'm still in the learning phase so trying to get it as right as possible.
Bill460
Member
The only thing more overplayed then the "dangers" of shooting lead ammunition, is Covid.
First thing, buy a reloading manual. Lyman is the one everyone should have at least. Better yet, buy two different manuals. Read the safety part twice, and never assume you did it right. Always double check to make sure you are being safe. Only have one powder out at a time. Also, never start loading max loads. Wear eye protection. And keep water away from molten lead, or the tinsel fairy will pay you a painful visit.
AJC1
Member
Preheating everything makes life easier and safer. Preheating molds makes less effort before getting good bullets, preheated ingots gets the moisture off before being put into the pot. Water can be useful for cooling overheated molds on a damp sponge, but damp lead tossed into the pot gets very dangerous.
WestKentucky
Member
Casting is the one thing in life where I will join when the old term “smoke em if ya got em” comes into play. I’m also soon to start. I have to buy more stuff but I sold a revolver on consignment, and I won’t get to pick up the money until Monday. That’s a nice chunk to use for supplies... if I can manage not to spend it all on more guns before I buy casting supplies.
garandsrus
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- Apr 2, 2020
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It feels great to be able to make as many bullets as you want. A mold pays for itself after just a couple hundred bullets. It’s like casting nickels, dimes, and quarters!
armoredman
Member
I have a Doe Run secondary fabricator a few miles from me, so I pick up certified 92/6/2 and pure lead from them, already ready for the lead pot. They ship - Seafab Metals Company.
Get the LEE MANUAL, 2nd Edition, it has casting instructions/learning in a single chapter, as well as loading data. Also, get a Lee bottom drop lead casting pot. So much easier than a dipper.
These are not expensive and should be available at MIDWAYUSA.COM.
Good Luck
Dan
These are not expensive and should be available at MIDWAYUSA.COM.
Good Luck
Dan
AJC1
Member
My first and only pot was a lee 4-20 bottom pour. I wanted the temperature stability of a larger pot as I recycle the sprue and the slop as I learned. Its definitely not expensive when it comes to things in the reloading world but also not a piece of junk either. I'm happy with my choice and would recommend it as a good first pot.
The Happy Kaboomer
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- Dec 16, 2012
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- 380
I cast with 4 molds in rotation to alleviate the over heat problem. I use strictly WW's and sometimes and a little lynotype for rifle bullets. I've found a gas burner with lead pot faster one the melt and remelt than ANY electric pot. I don't have to make ingots. Fill pot with WW's/melt/flux and start casting. Been doing it for over 45 years. Smallest I cast is 32/380. Largest is 444 Marlin & 45/70 with a dozen or so calibers in between. I keep a ton or so of WW's on hand and replenish from my tire dealer as needed.............I'll never run out of bullets.
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