barnfrog
Member
Probably misusing that term, but it'll take the grammar police some time to get a warrant so I'm safe for a little while at least.
I'm slowly working my way into trying my hand at casting my own bullets. Lead melts at 621.5 degrees F. I have an old electric hot plate that, according to the thermal imaging camera at the firehouse, will reach at least 750 degrees F. (It might get hotter, but I turned it off when it reached 750.) Will that be hot enough to heat whatever vessel I use, melt the lead, and get it hot enough to cast bullets? Or will there be too much heat loss for it to be a useable heat source for that purpose? In the "Bullet Casting 101" chapter of From Ingot to Target, Fryxell says to set the thermostat of one's melting pot to 750, so it seems like the hot plate is at least close.
Antecedent appreciation for any and all advice or admonishments.
I'm slowly working my way into trying my hand at casting my own bullets. Lead melts at 621.5 degrees F. I have an old electric hot plate that, according to the thermal imaging camera at the firehouse, will reach at least 750 degrees F. (It might get hotter, but I turned it off when it reached 750.) Will that be hot enough to heat whatever vessel I use, melt the lead, and get it hot enough to cast bullets? Or will there be too much heat loss for it to be a useable heat source for that purpose? In the "Bullet Casting 101" chapter of From Ingot to Target, Fryxell says to set the thermostat of one's melting pot to 750, so it seems like the hot plate is at least close.
Antecedent appreciation for any and all advice or admonishments.