Im considering casting bullets in .44 Mag but have no experience. Can anyone fill me in on required equipment?
Specifically gas checks, bullet lube, what lead I need, bullet resizing and so on.
Also, does the use of lead bullets pose any issues or unusual wear on the firearm?
Required equipment:
Both reloading and casting books. For casting, I recommend the Lyman 49th edition. Read the entire thing before you start. You will save yourself a lot of time and money.
You will need Some kind of casting pot and thermometer. I prefer a bottom pour pot but that is preference. I have owned the cheap lee pot and like it. Many folks don't use a thermometer but, if bullets are cast at varying temps, they will vary in weight and even slightly in size. Use a thermometer.
You will need molds. Once again, I use lee molds and like them. Others disagree but mine have served me well. Read the instructions on the molds and prepare them properly before casting. Once again, you will save yourself a lot of headaches if they are prepared properly.
As far as bullet lube, I have not had great luck with lee alox. I get a lot of leading with it. Another lube that is better is 45/45/10 which is 45% alox, 45% wood wax and 10% mineral spirits for thinning. You can make it yourself or just buy it pre-mixed. I use it on 44 sometimes but I prefer to powder coat mine which is an entirely different topic. You can get all kinds of info about that here:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=753510. I have never used gas checks with 44. I have never found them necessary.
Sizing dies are another debated issue. As stated, SLUG YOUR BARREL! Then make sure your bullets are at least .001 larger than your barrel. A lot of casters do not size but I do. It eliminates things like bulged rounds that won't fit in the cylinder etc. I use the lee push through dies and they work just fine.
I am a big proponent of safety gear. I know many folks here don't worry much about lead and, most never have any issues with it but I do. My lead levels are consistently on the high side. Because of this I have started wearing a lead/asbestos mask:
http://www.pksafety.com/asledu.html. Either 2091 or 2097 filters will protect against fumes and dust. I also wear latex gloves when handling lead and leather gloves when it is hot. Safety glasses are a no brainer and I even bought a cheap leather smock to protect my clothes from splatter.
does the use of lead bullets pose any issues or unusual wear on the firearm?
No. In fact lead is substantially softer than copper and produces far LESS wear on a barrel than copper. One caveat is leading. If your bullets are improperly sized, improperly lubed or driven to hard, they will leave lead deposits on the barrel that will destroy accuracy and can be a challenge to remove. I have leaded many barrels in my casting exploits. It isn't the end of the world and you will learn pretty quick what you can and can't do.
Hope this helps
