Re: New to casting- problems but I think I have the solution
Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2020 6:35 pm
I have used a Lee 1 oz slug mold quite a bit. With WW alloy you will get a better fill and better looking slugs in general, but it is harder on the mold. The center "core" that forms the hollow base and drive key is only pressed into the stamped steel that holds it with the end peened over. Eventually that will get loose and pull out, but if you are careful you can re-insert and peen the nub back over again. I have had to do this several times with my mold. I bought a second mold that I have not used yet, for when there isn't enough aluminum left to peen over and hold the core.
Pure lead is easier on the mold and it will usually release the slug easier, but it doesn't fill the mold as well, and it is more difficult to get cosmetically perfect slugs. But as you have already observed, that's not terribly important and there's no reason you can't use most of the imperfect ones. The pure lead being softer, will also be better if you are shooting through a choked bore. Most of my slugs and buckshot are intended for use in a 14" Saiga 12 SBS, cylinder bore lead hose, so no worries there other than as mentioned, I would rather save the good alloy for pistol bullets.
Pure lead is easier on the mold and it will usually release the slug easier, but it doesn't fill the mold as well, and it is more difficult to get cosmetically perfect slugs. But as you have already observed, that's not terribly important and there's no reason you can't use most of the imperfect ones. The pure lead being softer, will also be better if you are shooting through a choked bore. Most of my slugs and buckshot are intended for use in a 14" Saiga 12 SBS, cylinder bore lead hose, so no worries there other than as mentioned, I would rather save the good alloy for pistol bullets.