Are more people than ever shooting cast boolits.

Are you shooting cast boolits because of the market?

  • Yes I now shoot cast and I didnt before.

    Votes: 9 24.3%

  • I now cast and shoot my own bullets.

    Votes: 19 51.4%

  • I have a reloading buddy keeping my hobby afloat as I shoot his cast.

    Votes: 1 2.7%

  • Lead, why would I do that.

    Votes: 8 21.6%
  • Total voters
    37
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I started casting only a few weeks after I started reloading, 10 years ago. I enjoy doing both, and the history of both. It adds so much more depth to my love of firearms. Saving money on my bullets is a major benefit as well. The self sufficiency aspect is a factor as well, and it's fun!
 
Casting bullets is considerable work, more so if starting from scrap sources. But it can be enjoyable and rewarding if you have the time.

Since many of the low cost sources of scrap lead are long gone, most of the lead I've used recently has been purchased bullet alloy. As a result I generally pay a cent or two more and simply buy finished coated or plated bullets. So my lead sits unless I feel like casting, or need something particular that isn't available.

I think its been at least three years since I last cast bullets.
 
You forgot a category OP. That would be that some have cast/reloaded lead bullets for many years. So I can't do survey. I pretty much can cast bullets for most everything I own save 270 just because I happened onto a pile of jacketed bullets that will last me a lifetime and never purchased that mold. I have lead and molds along with accurate data that I can use if needed but for years I bought pistol bullets mostly from Z-Cast and then from Missouri Bullet just because it was easier due to working and time restraints. Now retired and I will cast more of my own for sure. Also now with the internet there are hundreds of sources of cast lead bullets that are competitive, especially if you have to purchase raw lead to cast your own.
 
There seems to be an option not offered in response to the poll question....” are you shooting cast bullets because of the market”?

Either a “yes or no” response! Or, I was shooting cast bullets prior to the present situation! Either of these questions should/would provide more insight into current shooting practices!

The poll left out those previously shooting cast bullets! memtb
 
If it is gun related it is selling and being implemented. Does not matter how niche or esoteric.

More than ever are shooting cast bullets because more than ever are shooting just plain ol bullets. More than ever are reloading because that is the logical progression and trickle down effect of loaded ammo being scarce.
 
I would say yes there are, given how difficult it is to get casting equipment. I've always shot primarily cast bullets and have wanted to get into casting my own for a long time, but just recently have I started buying the necessary tools, and I must say that many of them are difficult to find and generally I've had to rely on finding used moulds.
 
memtb said:
There seems to be an option not offered in response to the poll question....” are you shooting cast bullets because of the market”?

Either a “yes or no” response! Or, I was shooting cast bullets prior to the present situation! Either of these questions should/would provide more insight into current shooting practices!

The poll left out those previously shooting cast bullets! memtb
Click to expand...
Yes with explanation
No why would I shoot cast.
The question was are you now... I didnt ask if you were before so you want a different question and different responses????
 
bear166 said:
I would say yes there are, given how difficult it is to get casting equipment. I've always shot primarily cast bullets and have wanted to get into casting my own for a long time, but just recently have I started buying the necessary tools, and I must say that many of them are difficult to find and generally I've had to rely on finding used moulds.
Click to expand...
This is the genesis of my question. Never before have I seen molds, sizers and expanders disappear. The last run may have had that effect, I just dont remember that being an issue. My hope is that we get a stronger community in the long run. Additionally if more people are casting and shooting lead, we will have a community to fight lead bans.
 
AJC1 said:
Yes with explanation
No why would I shoot cast.
The question was are you now... I didnt ask if you were before so you want a different question and different responses????
Click to expand...


No, it’s fine. Just seemed, to me, to be incomplete.....my apologies for “my” misinterpretation! memtb
 
Yes, I'm casting now and even bought a new mold or two. But it is not because of the market.

I've been casting for the last 30 years. I cast primarily handgun bullets and my cast bullets are something generally not easily available on the normal commercial market.

But, I do not shoot 100% cast bullets. There are certain applications where I prefer jacketed or plated.
 
I had been wanting to get into casting for a while, and had the molds and all. I just didn't have the lead up until about a year ago. I was talking to a neighbor down the street and he mentioned the bags of trash cans in my shed, and said he would be happy to take them to work at the scrapyard with him if I split the profits. I was all for it, since it saves me a trip there. Then it sort of dawned on me that he was saying he worked at a scrapyard. I asked if they sell scrap lead, and he has been bringing me as much scrap lead(typically sheet lead from roofs) for 75 cents a pound. I typically have him grab 100 pounds every week or two for me and he just drops it off outside the garage when he drives past my property on the way to his house. Last night I cast about 80 little 1 pound ingots from the last batch. Planning on casting more today or tomorrow.
 
I got a 44 SWC TL mold in '89. I have been casting bullets for all my guns since then...

There's not a lot more satisfying than casting your own bullets, processing them, loading them and getting excellent results...
 
Last edited:
Targa said:
What changed for me was never having any desire to reload for 9mm to now casting for them. I WILL NOT buy a box of bullets for the prices they are going for today.
Click to expand...
My mind was blown the last time I saw the price in a store. I will support rmr for 9mm bullets as long as i can afford. Their product has been cost effective for me. If they made more bullets i would surely buy 357 if they made jacketed like 9mm. For some reason adding. 002 doubles or triples the price. I'll cast my arm off at those prices.
 
I've always shot cast bullets. Have also on-and-off scrounged lead, bought molds, etc, but it wasn't until this particular Panic started that I decided I had finally "got around to it."

Which means I am now scrounging more lead, buying more molds, cleaning lead, and all that good stuff.

If I can't find powder and primers I can, at least, make my own bullets!
 
For a while cast was the only thing you could find in stock anywhere. Unless you wanted to pay gouge prices.
 
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