Setting Up & Learning To Cast Round Ball

[Across The Pond]

Hi - I have decided to cast my own .380 round ball for my .36 navy. I have decided (so far) that I need an electric lead pot with bottom valve, a Lee .380 double mould (US version = mold??), a set of handles, gloves, safety glasses and some pure soft lead.

So..

• Can anyone recommend a make of lead pot?
  
• Does anyone have any good tips for a casting newbie?

Thanks,

Dave

 

[Smokin_Gun]

Lee Melter...

Get the smaller Lee Electric Melter. keep a large paper clip straightened out next to it. In case the skim/sludge happens to stick the nozzle open. The clip is for clearing it just in case...not a common occurance but worth mentioning. Have had my Lee 20 years. I also have a small cast pot with the pour spout ladel. I still do it the old way and bring it wit me on Rondevouz or campouts ...or during power outages, very inexpensive investment if you are just concidering molding your own. Lee or Lyman make the burner top type. There are so many details to Casting bullets it would be best if you go to a bookstore even a used bookstore and find a book that suits your taste. Once you start doing it it's easy...it's all about clean soft lead, a good mold, heat, and consistancy/timming.

 

[Cap n Ball]

I've been running ball for years and I find it a relaxing process. Just remember that moisture and hot lead do not mix! Always have good ventilation and light.

 

[Across The Pond]

Equipment On Its Way!!

Thanks for the replies - I ordered a Lee 'production pot' melter and Lee double cavity .380 mold today, so hope to do my first casting session over the Christmas holidays. (well, who wants to sit around listening to the queen, drinking beer and eating turkey!)

Still interested in hints - and thanks again for those already posted.

 

[mec]

Hah! At least the anti-vivisectionists haven't stopped her eating turkey. We have a ranch here filled with turkeys that get pardened by the president each year. You/ve got the right advice and the right equipment. equipment and you will likely find some use for that straightened paper clip ( Guess I didn't invent that afterall). Use pliers to stick it in and wiggle it around.

 

[Poodleshooter]

Ditto the large paper clip. Also, a flathead screwdriver to twist the valve screw. This dislodges gunk that catches in the bottom of the pot. Also, use a pair of pliers to use the paper clip. I've spilled lead on my hands when fiddling around with the spout.
A good ladle is also handy,as is a waste cup for dross and junk on top of the melt. I use a soda can with the top cut off.
Melt hot (7 or so). The lead sprue should harden in about a 2-3 count on top of the mold. If it hardens as it pours, it's too cold and won't fill the mold. If it takes longer than that, you'll get frosting,and your mold may get too hot. With lee molds, if they get too hot, the pins will actually fall out of the blocks. I peen the pin holes in the blocks slightly for this reason.
Keep a moist (NOT WET) towel nearby to cool the mold off every few casts.
The mold needs to be hot when you start casting. It's hot enough when it can be dipped into the pot and lead no longer sticks to it, but simply falls off.

 

[Across The Pond]

Lube For The Mold...?

Hi - I now have the lead pot, the Lee mold, and some scrap lead. Also welders gloves and safety glasses... I can get to the range tomorrow, so am keen to cast the first lot tonight for 'scientific testing'!!

Reading the instructions for the mold (after I got it home ) I see that I need to lube the sprue cutter hinge and pins in the mold with bullet lube. Here's the problem - I don't have any, it's too late to drive back to the shop, and they'll be shut tomorrow. I am guessing that theres some other lube that will do, but I am keen not to wreck my new 'toys' with the wrong product.

Could someone advise me what else I can use?

Thanks, Dave

 

[mec]

Sometimes, I forget to do that. When I remember, I have to be real careful as any quantity of lubricant at all is likely to get down into the mould and reall screw up the bullets until it melts out. You might try a minute quantity of cooking oil.

 

[Across The Pond]

Thanks mec - I just got off the phone with a friend here who casts RB and he recommended a tiny amount of Copperslip. (*not sure if that's the brand it's sold as in the US, it's a high temp automotive grease with a very heavy copper content - typically used to lube metal brake and exhaust parts) the cooking oil also seems a really good idea.

Regds, Dave

PS - great pics of the Walker/Dragoon on your other post - you've inspired my next purchase!!

 

[mec]

sounds like that will do just fine.

 

[Smokin_Gun]

Smoke the Mold

Thanks mec - I just got off the phone with a friend here who casts RB and he recommended a tiny amount of Copperslip. (*not sure if that's the brand it's sold as in the US, it's a high temp automotive grease with a very heavy copper content - typically used to lube metal brake and exhaust parts) the cooking oil also seems a really good idea.

Regds, Dave

PS - great pics of the Walker/Dragoon on your other post - you've inspired my next purchase!!

This still works as it was done in the 19th Century...you take a candle lite it and smoke the mold till it is blackened...acts as a mold release for the balls, also like a graphite lubericant only not as long lasting as a machinists's mold release.

 

[gremlin_bros]

lube

personally i cast my own ball for my muzzleloader it's 54 and hard to find ball for it as for lube in the mold i just blacken it with suit from a candel and as for lube for shooting i use crisco works well enough just ask the any of the number of deer ive taken with it in my life just my two cents worth have fun and i side note i agree casting your own is verry relaxing and enjoyable

 

[Across The Pond]

Success!

Well, I just cast my first hundred.. and most are perfect! I check weighed the whole lot and a just few were underweight, I guess indicating voids. They went back in the pot. The others look great - smooth, shiny, not wrinkled or frosted. I followed all the advice given above, plus the Lee instructions. I'd rate this as a 100% success - thanks to all of you for your help and advice.

ATP

 

[MCgunner]

The Lee has worked for me for 20 years, also. I always used a nail held with my leatherman tool, but same deal on the paper clip. Neat thing about that pot, the temp is always right once you get it set. You don't have to worry about it cooling too much in a ladle either when you deliver it cause it pours right out of the pot. Keep your mold the proper temp and you'll pour great bullets, balls, or whatever.