First time casting advice

[RED333]

Thank you guys for all of the replies!
Never thought about the zinc problem. so you say just run every peice through a set of shears to see if it cuts? if it doesnt, then dont add to pot? Roger roger.

So... when cleaning the moulds for the first time(cause i do see some shavings along the edges of the dies), do i use a brass wire brush? or what? and also a solvent?

You will get 10 diff answers from one question, my answer.
Clean with hot water and Dawn dish washing liquid with a tooth brush.
Dry well, water drops that dry will cause wrinkles.
Alu, use after cleaning, brass heat cycle a few times to 300*F and cool to room temp, I do mine 3 or 4 times.(just the first time I use the brass mold)
Steel and iron, use after cleaning.
Solvent, non chlorinated brake cleaner is what I use.
O yea, per heat your mold before you cast, you will get good boolits faster.
OIL ALL MOLDS AFTER USE.

[Pistolpeta]

Thank you guys for all of the replies!
Never thought about the zinc problem. so you say just run every peice through a set of shears to see if it cuts? if it doesnt, then dont add to pot? Roger roger.


Alu, use after cleaning, brass heat cycle a few times to 300*F and cool to room temp, I do mine 3 or 4 times.(just the first time I use the brass mold)
Steel and iron, use after cleaning.
Solvent, non chlorinated brake cleaner is what I use.
O yea, per heat your mold before you cast, you will get good boolits faster.
OIL ALL MOLDS AFTER USE.

Alu?, and what does brass heat cycle mean?(brass mold?)

[bangbangping]

Alu, use after cleaning, brass heat cycle a few times

Alu?, and what does brass heat cycle mean?(brass mold?)

(Just translating here, I don't know enough yet to give advice)
Aluminum, use after cleaning.
New brass molds, bring up to 300 degrees and cool down several times before using.

[Smoke]

yes heat cycle any new mold 3 or 4 times Before first use.. It helps set the locating pins
heat Cycle ....heat mold to around 300 degrees, then let air cool to room temp .. repeat 3 to 4 times
Clean Mold again with dawn, comet (helps remove any tiny burrs) and a toothbrush ..
heat again when ready to cast

PS do not use a Brass brush on an aluminum mold .. you run the risk of scratching the aluminum .. just depends on what Aluminum alloy they used to make the mold .. not worth the risk

[Pistolpeta]

OHHH, k , gotcha, will do!

[AnotherMadHatter]

If I live in the greater Seattle area, what would be a decent going rate for scrap lead, per pound? Most people selling it want $1.00/lb. Is that a good price? If not, what would be a good counter offer?

[80hp]

If I live in the greater Seattle area, what would be a decent going rate for scrap lead, per pound? Most people selling it want $1.00/lb. Is that a good price? If not, what would be a good counter offer?

$1 per pound is a fair price if it has been smelted into ingots. I will pay more for wheel weights or lino-type that has been smelted.
FYI- One of the best features of the Lee lead hardness tester is you can test the ingots you buy. I can test any lead that will fit through my loading press between the ram and tester.
M.

[AnotherMadHatter]

$1 per pound is a fair price if it has been smelted into ingots. I will pay more for wheel weights or lino-type that has been smelted.
FYI- One of the best features of the Lee lead hardness tester is you can test the ingots you buy. I can test any lead that will fit through my loading press between the ram and tester.
M.

Thanks for the info. A couple of (hopefully quick) follow up questions;

A guy is selling "bricks" of lead from a sailboat - have you heard of this?
Have you heard of the lead from a sailboat being not suitable for casting?

Have you used the Lee hardness tester with a hand-held press?

Thanks,

[bangbangping]

I purchased the Lee 309-230-5R molds, and have heard mixed reviews about them.

I just bought two of these and can't say I'm very impressed. They both cast oblong bullets, about .309 x .306.

[80hp]

duplicate post