high-volume bullet casting operation

[taliv]

anybody got links to equipment capable of casting high volume lead bullets? or an estimate of what it would cost and how automated it is?

by 'high volume' i mean, for bulk sale.

I've never done any casting personally, but i've been contemplating an opportunity.

 

[PecosRiverM]

How about this one?

http://www.magmaengineering.com/index.php?&vmcchk=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

 

[Galil5.56]

Look up Magma Engineering, and all things related to it. Watch one in operation, and you will fall in love with the clack-snap-clack sounds and just how fast it can spit out bullets.

Good luck.

 

[rcmodel]

Magma Engineering is about the only game in town.

http://www.magmaengineering.com/index.php?&vmcchk=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

Keep in mind that recent rulings seem to indicate you might also need a manufacturs 06 license from the ATF, and a gob of liability insurance.

The risk is always there that anyone injured or killed involving the use of your bullets can sue, even though you had nothing to do with it.

There are also a metric ton of EPA regulations & hoops to jump through concerning lead if you go commercial.

rcmodel

 

[everallm]

If your going to drop that $11k odd on the Mark 7 you might want to look at swaging, not casting and spend about $8K and get a Corbin Hydro-Press and make unjacketed, jacketed, sintered etc.

http://www.corbins.com/prchp-1.htm

Also, far lower EPA regs as you are press forming, no molten lead, fumes etc.

 

[243winxb]

http://mcneeley5.googlepages.com/ Getting alloy at the right price will be important. There are other sites that sell alloy at auction. http://www.universalwrecking.com/Sections-read-37.html scrap price http://www.universalwrecking.com/Sections-read-36.html scrap tin.

 

[NuJudge]

What I use

Lee 6-cavity mold (.452 SWC, for example):
http://www.midwayusa.com/browse/Bro...ryId=9257&categoryString=685***8657***9247***

Handles for Lee 6-cavity mold:
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=117892

TWO Lee 20-pound bottom pour furnaces (I can run one empty very quickly, even when I pre-heat ingots on top and gradually add them to the pot):
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=721153

RCBS Lead dipper:
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=283142

Ingot mold:
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=496285

BullPlate mold lube (prevents galling of aluminum on aluminum in molds):
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=3412

5-gallon bucket full of water (to drop the mold contents into)

table or scrap boards across sawhorses

An assortment of screwdrivers and pliers (to keep things in adjustment on the mold and furnace).

Lee tumble lube or Star lube machine (the Lee system works quick, but the lube builds up in your seater die, requiring you to disassemble for cleaning all the time, losing seater depth adjustment on any seat die except the Dillon, so if you go with Lee Lube, get a Dillon seater die):
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=116429&t=11082005
http://www.dillonprecision.com/#/content/p/9/pid/24469/catid/4/Dillon_Seating_Dies
http://www.magmaengineering.com/ind...pop=0&vmcchk=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

You will need Wheelweight Lead, or other Lead scrap, plus some Tin for improving fill-out of your bullets.

Molds need to be cleaned, gently, before use. I use Brake Cleaner usually. Sometimes a toothbrush and hot soapy water is necessary.

I run my furnaces on high, but I am continually adding small Lead ingots, which cools the metal substantially. Getting the Lead too hot will cause it to off-gas, so turn the furnaces down if you slow down or take a break.

Do this outside, or in a place with a lot of ventilation.

Melting scrap in your casting furnaces will cause lots of grit and trash to accumulate in them.

Sometimes my molds like a graphite mold spray

CDD

 

[ReloaderFred]

There is also Ballisti-Cast, the current owners of the H&G mold patents. Here is their link: http://www.ballisti-cast.com/

Hope this helps.

Fred