Casting instructor wanted

[Trey Veston]

I'm also fairly new to casting; only been doing it for about 4 years. I've been having trouble sourcing lead and most of my boolits are for hardcast woods loads, so I don't want garbage/soft lead. So I usually buying Lyman #2 or harder online and it works out to about the same cost as Hornady XTPs, lol.

My dad is a subcontractor for a major boolit supplier and casts around 40,000 boolits a year. I started casting for him using his lead and molds and it just takes practice getting the rhythm down. Size of the boolit and the type of mold determines the proper temp for the lead, but the 750 to 800 range is usually pretty good.

Casting with steel molds is easier than with the cheap aluminum Lee molds, once they are finally up to temp, but I have around 6 Lee molds and only one RCBS steel mold and have no trouble producing very nice boolits with the Lee molds.

The nice thing about casting is that you can cast and screw up all the boolits you want and just put them back in the pot and try, try again. I watched my dad for about 45 minutes, then started casting. It took me about an hour to get decent boolits consistently.

This is his set up for cranking out thousands of premium quality boolits; just two Lee pots and two 2-boolit molds with different styles. He cranks out about 250 boolits an hour.


My single pot set up...



Lee molds can make some beautiful boolits; these are 255gr .452 for my .45 Colt and .450 Bushmaster loads...

 

[kmw1954]

Trey, one of the reasons I kept putting this off was the issue of sourcing a steady supply of lead. Where I am located it hard because Illinois has outlawed lead wheel weights, and the scrappers will not sell it because in Illinois it is labeled a Hazardous Material and you need a Haz-Mat license to deal in scrap lead. I tried and the recyclers will not even talk to you. I tried here in Wisconsin and received pretty much the same response.

Many that have responded have brought up comments on Lee 2 cavity molds. I appreciate the concern but as I keep repeating, the mold that my primary interest is in is only available as a 2 cavity mold. So if this mold is so horrible and hard to use then what is the point in starting?

 

[Trey Veston]

So if this mold is so horrible and hard to use then what is the point in starting?

It's not. Aluminum has different thermodynamic properties than steel, which makes using the aluminum Lee molds "different" than the more expensive steel molds. Steel retains heat longer, which means that once you find the perfect "sweet spot" temperature for your particular boolit and lead, it's easier to maintain that sweet spot without getting too hot, which leads to frosting, or too cold, which leads to deformities. With aluminum, there is a narrower window and it takes a bit more skill in order to keep the mold going at the proper temp. I suspect this challenge is what leads most to dismiss the Lee molds as "garbage".

That and the factor of the typical elitist attitude that if you don't spend more money, then you won't get decent stuff. Yes, Steel molds are better, but I actually like the Lee molds just because as a beginner, I can try more boolit designs to see what works in my guns without breaking the bank. I also like the fact that they heat up faster and I can start getting good boolits much faster than with my RCBS mold.

 

[Trey Veston]

As far as lead costs, I have gotten some cheap lead from my dad and I've bought some expensive Lyman #2 lead from Amazon (yes, Amazon).

As far as the Lyman #2 online, the numbers don't make much sense in order to save money. There are 7000 grains per pound, or, 35,000 grains in 5 pounds of lead. That costs $28 delivered to my door.

I can make 140 250gr. .452 boolits with five pounds of lead. That's about 20 cents a boolit.

I can buy 100 250gr .452 Hornady XTP bullets at the local Sportsman's Warehouse for $29, or about 29 cents per bullet.

So I am saving around $.09 per bullet to shoot lead over the highly regarded XTP.

But that's just my situation. Lots of casters are getting dirt cheap or free lead and adding their own tin/antimony to make good quality harder bullets for much less than I could.

 

[Hondo 60]

PM sent

 

[Texas10mm]

As far as lead costs, I have gotten some cheap lead from my dad and I've bought some expensive Lyman #2 lead from Amazon (yes, Amazon).

As far as the Lyman #2 online, the numbers don't make much sense in order to save money. There are 7000 grains per pound, or, 35,000 grains in 5 pounds of lead. That costs $28 delivered to my door.

I can make 140 250gr. .452 boolits with five pounds of lead. That's about 20 cents a boolit.

I can buy 100 250gr .452 Hornady XTP bullets at the local Sportsman's Warehouse for $29, or about 29 cents per bullet.

So I am saving around $.09 per bullet to shoot lead over the highly regarded XTP.

But that's just my situation. Lots of casters are getting dirt cheap or free lead and adding their own tin/antimony to make good quality harder bullets for much less than I could.

You need to look around. Try the Buy/Sell area over at Cast Boolits. Or I know a guy selling some linotype.

 

[kmw1954]

As far as the Lyman #2 online, the numbers don't make much sense in order to save money. There are 7000 grains per pound, or, 35,000 grains in 5 pounds of lead. That costs $28 delivered to my door. .

Yes there is a vendor at Cast Boolits that sells 50# ingot range scrap for about $65.00 shipped. Plus I had just seen another member offering the same deal.
I figure at 102gr per bullet 50# should last a long time!

 

[Trey Veston]

You need to look around. Try the Buy/Sell area over at Cast Boolits. Or I know a guy selling some linotype.

Finding cheap/soft lead is not a problem. It's finding good quality lead with a hardness of at least 15-20 BHN and is cheap that is tough.

 

[PapaG]

I have been doing it since 1956 or so. Probably have eighty plus moulds. #1 is safety. Well ventilated area, long sleeves and gloves, face shield or at least goggles and no water anywhere near. Second, search out the Lyman cast bullet handbooks, from #1 on. Read. Don't expect to save money.

 

[Hondo 60]

It's not. Aluminum has different thermodynamic properties than steel, which makes using the aluminum Lee molds "different" than the more expensive steel molds.

Yup ^^^^^ this ^^^^^

I have more than 10 molds.
They're all Lee's. and I do just fine casting, reloading & shooting.

Illinois has outlawed lead wheel weights, and the scrappers will not sell it because in Illinois it is labeled a Hazardous Material and you need a Haz-Mat license to deal in scrap lead. I tried and the recyclers will not even talk to you. I tried here in Wisconsin and received pretty much the same response.

Yup, I've found the same. But thru diligent searching I've found a good source of smelted wheel weights.

 

[Texas10mm]

Finding cheap/soft lead is not a problem. It's finding good quality lead with a hardness of at least 15-20 BHN and is cheap that is tough.

How much linotype ya want?

 

[Jack Ryan]

As far as lead costs, I have gotten some cheap lead from my dad and I've bought some expensive Lyman #2 lead from Amazon (yes, Amazon).

As far as the Lyman #2 online, the numbers don't make much sense in order to save money. There are 7000 grains per pound, or, 35,000 grains in 5 pounds of lead. That costs $28 delivered to my door.

I can make 140 250gr. .452 boolits with five pounds of lead. That's about 20 cents a boolit.

I can buy 100 250gr .452 Hornady XTP bullets at the local Sportsman's Warehouse for $29, or about 29 cents per bullet.

So I am saving around $.09 per bullet to shoot lead over the highly regarded XTP.

But that's just my situation. Lots of casters are getting dirt cheap or free lead and adding their own tin/antimony to make good quality harder bullets for much less than I could.

Lead is lead, it don't know how much you paid for it.

 

[CANNONMAN]

Some issues here at home but I'll get some lead to ya! It's wheel weight. Yes linotype is better. Do ya need it to get started? Will it shoot better? More accurate? Less fouling? If I had to consider all that I never would have started. I like will ya save money? Heck NO!!! Is it safe? Can be both. If you can't tie your shoes with your eyes closed don't do this! Is it a ton of fun? YUP! I make my own cannons, my own BP, my own cannon molds and my own cannon shot. I think now the only thing I like better than doing it all is teaching it all. If your not at info overload then I believe your making too big of an issue over it. It's casting lead bullets. Not sending a man to Mars.

 

[kmw1954]

CANNONMAN I much appreciate you generosity and hope that one day I too can pay it forward. For now I am looking at doing my melting in a 1qt. SS sauce pan on a 1500 watt hot plate that has been sitting around collecting dust. I now have a Lyman ladle on the way and a bid on a Lee 356-102-1R mold that I've shot test loads of in both my 380's Now will see where this takes us.

Not doing this to save money or prepare for the next apocalypse, doing it just because there is an interest and being retired a new hobby is needed to fill the one I can no longer do well like golf and because of some medical issues I no longer feel that safe taking the boat out by myself.

 

[CANNONMAN]

Kinda surprised and now I'm a hypocrite but Texas10mm has some stuff that's getting harder to find and unless I missed it, doing hardcasting isn't here. Considering his handle and what he's got I'll leave this to him. But a 10mm hardcast and a good ole hog hunt.... PLEASE be my friend Texas10mm!!!! I'd do your casting, clean up, lube and size, load and carry your water. Afterwards, the beers on me! And BTW kool offer there for Kmw1954 Mr. Texas 10mm. Might be some chapter 2 stuff for him. OH, Dear Kmw1954, The worst thing you can do is breath the fumes, next is spill lead on yourself, and keep the water away from the molten stuff! The best thing you can do is to hit the first thing you shoot at with a bullet that you made! Mine was some 30 years ago and I still remember it well.

 

[Texas10mm]

Kinda surprised and now I'm a hypocrite but Texas10mm has some stuff that's getting harder to find and unless I missed it, doing hardcasting isn't here. Considering his handle and what he's got I'll leave this to him. But a 10mm hardcast and a good ole hog hunt.... PLEASE be my friend Texas10mm!!!! I'd do your casting, clean up, lube and size, load and carry your water. Afterwards, the beers on me! And BTW kool offer there for Kmw1954 Mr. Texas 10mm. Might be some chapter 2 stuff for him. OH, Dear Kmw1954, The worst thing you can do is breath the fumes, next is spill lead on yourself, and keep the water away from the molten stuff! The best thing you can do is to hit the first thing you shoot at with a bullet that you made! Mine was some 30 years ago and I still remember it well.

A buddy and I picked up close to a ton of linotype earlier this year. My cut is 500 lbs. I really need to get 1500 lbs of pure!

 

[mstreddy]

KMW, Like you, I read a bunch about casting. I had slowly started gathering the tools and supplies.
A buddy gave me his old Lee 4-20 bottom pour pot. I scored on some really good/nice H&G moulds at an estate sale. So, last year I finally decided I had read enough, it was time to try. I had picked up some lead ingots from the vendors at Castboolits. And I poured my first batch. I figure that buying lead at around $1.25 per #, I get bullets costing me around .02-.035 cents for 9MM, 40, 38, 45, etc...
I bought some powder from Smoke and a cheapo toaster oven. I haven't looked back.
But, the bad side, I got turned on the custom moulds for sale in the group buy section -- note to you - don't do this! It's hazardous to your wallet!

Just last week I melted down a batch of wheel weights, a mix of some I bought through CB, and some I picked up at the tire shop. Ended up with 50 # of lead for future casting. I also just picked a lead hardness tester, so I want to see what I have.
I don't consider myself an expert by any stretch. I'm still fiddling with the temperature and technique for the aluminum moulds, but it's a learning experience and it really is satisfying to shoot the bullets I "made" at the range.

So, gather up your tools, supplies and gear and cast your first batch. You just may be hooked into another hobby.

 

[kmw1954]

mstreddy, thanks for the morale support and encouragement. In a PM from a member on Cast Boolits it was reminded that mistakes are quickly hidden in the bottom of the pot! That pretty much set the tone for me. I'm prepared to make many mistakes but I plan on just going slow and if I get hung up I'll come and ask questions. Once again I am not doing this because I have to or that I expect to save a ton of money.

Really looking forward to getting started. Tomorrow the wife and I are heading to a flea market to look for cooking utensils like a small SS pot, large spoons and an old cookie sheet.

 

[mstreddy]

You're welcome. That is sage advice from the CB member. There isn't much waste in casting, bad bullet, back in the melt it goes. I would suggest some type of thermometer as one of the things that has been helpful in getting more consistent casts has been the right temperature range.
As you shop for tools, don't forget the gloves. We're dealing with molten metal and of course very hot surfaces.

I put a few of my cast bullets through the hardness tester last night. I'm at BNH 8-10.
If you find you have to size your bullets, the Lee push-through dies work very well.

 

[kmw1954]

Got to the old flea market and come out with a 9" cast iron skillet and a small 1.5 qt SS sauce pan with a lid and one 12 count muffing pan. The skillet is pretty pitted to one side but I don't think that will make much difference, Still need to find a cookie sheet and a nice spoon. OH, the muffin pan I believe is aluminum, hope it's still usable for making smack ingots If not no biggy as I only paid $9.00 for the whole batch.

 

[CANNONMAN]

PPppppsss…. Don't let the BP folks know about the cast iron skillet. I kinda got crucified when I mentioned that was what I was using. I got mine from a scrap yard and still got it. But it really works well for large pours like a 5# ball. However, the guys in the BP site are probably the best set of people you'd ever meet. Thanks to them I think I make some of the best BP in the known universe! Hey Texas 10, I think I've got two commercial size ingots of pure lead. Do you see any way to trade without us both losing in shipping? I'm really close to Knoxville TN. I could take some scrapings off them and send them cuz I'm not 100% sure if they are pure lead. They came out of Pueblo CO when the steel mill was a big thing. BTW, is your linotype in pig form? Back when My Dad and I were divers we got interested in forming our own dive weights. A call to the local news paper and they guys there just gave us a couple of pigs. Pretty neat how things used to be.Oh yeah, What ya up to to need pure lead?

 

[Texas10mm]

The linotype is in type form. There might still be some pigs for sale.

 

[kmw1954]

So what's the secret on the cast iron? Paid like $6.00 for it and as pitted as it is I wouldn't try cooking in it.

Also just get back home after an overnight hospital stay for chest pains. Had a stress test done today and all is well. Just need to take it easy for a few days.

 

[mstreddy]

KMW, glad to hear the stress test came out OK.
Maybe you were "stressing" too much over getting started in casting?

Just kidding, but glad you're OK. Feel better, and take care of yourself.

Yesterday I rendered about 30 pounds of range scrap lead. It was free to me from the indoor range I frequent. They gave me a bucket or three and I'm going to work on melting it down.
Maybe tomorrow I'll cast some bullets from it.

 

[Hondo 60]

Ya, glad to hear you're OK.