new bullet mold sticking

[m715]

I have a 6 mold lee 45 acp. the lead is sticking in the mold. I am having a hard time finding the
proper way to debure the mold. I can feel a very small ledge,or burr on the edges were the molds meet. I just dont want to screw up these new molds. My old set never had this problem.
Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Phlier]

Over on castboolits, search for the thread on "Lee-menting." It'll get you fixed up.

One quick fix you can try.... cast a bullet from the mold. Get yourself some Comet cleanser. The abrasive dry powder stuff. Turn a screw into the base of the cast bullet. Wet the bullet, then coat it in Comet. Place the bullet back into the cavity it was cast from, close the handles, and use the screw to rotate the bullet around in the mold cavity. When you do this, make sure you match the cast bullet to the cavity it was cast from. Repeat as needed.

Since lead shrinks when it cools, pretty much the only abrasive that will contact and rub against the mold will be where the lead didn't retract from the mold, i.e., the places where it was hanging up. And those surfaces will be scoured by the abrasive.

I've used this method on around six or so cavities on a few different Lee molds, and it has worked well.

The "Lee-menting" thread on Castboolits is definitely worth taking the time to read.

 

[whughett]

We are assuming you have either smoked the cavity or used a commercial mold release agent.

 

[m715]

I smoked the mold. But the funny thing I never had to smoke my older mold or use any release agent.
they all fall out with just a small tap.This is why I am assuming the burrs are hanging up the lead.
Thanks phlier Ill check the link and give what you suggested a try. I have some valve grinding compound at my shop.I assume it would do the same job as the comet

 

[Ifishsum]

Some careful X-acto knife work on the cavity edges works also if it seems like just a small burr

 

[jmorris]

I smoke mine with an acetylene flame, bullets drop out after that.

 

[AJC1]

I smoke mine with an acetylene flame, bullets drop out after that.

Way faster than a match.

 

[Texas10mm]

If you suspect burrs a Q-Tip will find them. Then a piece of wooden dowel can be used to remove them.

 

[whughett]

Zippo lighter works well.