info on casting lead bullets

[glockky]

I am looking to get into casting but dont know where to start. I have been reloading for about 8 years and i was wandering if i could save some money and start casting some bullets for my 45ACP. But i dont know for sure what all i need for the initial investment and i would have to buy my lead. If someone could would love to hear some opinions and what i needed to get started.

 

[RhinoDefense]

www.castboolits.gunloads.com

 

[meadmkr]

+1 on castboolits!

 

[capreppy]

+1 more on castboolits. I've learned a LOT on reading the threads there. I'm also looking to get into casting and will probably start in a few weeks.

 

[243winxb]

i would have to buy my lead.

This is the biggest problem for you. I would not cast unless i had a very low cost or free supply of wheel weight type alloy. The good news is, target loads for the 45 acp will work well with any alloy of lead,tin, antimony. No pure lead. Do buy a Lyman Cast bullet book. The internet is not the place to learn.

 

[grubbylabs]

X3 on the castboolits,

My friend that got me into casting buys his lead from midway. I am not sure what alloy he gets but because of how much it weighs the shipping is free. It still only costs him about 5 cents a bullet to cast them. So I don't think you would do to bad if you had to buy the lead.

 

[armoredman]

Castboolits got me into the hobby, and yes, you CAN save money. The gear doesn't have to be super expensive, such as a $50 Lee bottom pour pot and a Lee $20 mold. With the change in wheel weights, i.e., battery companies buying up the lead and new wheel weights coming out in zinc, lead isn't quite as cheap as it was. If you can find it, or have a metals supplier close, go for it. I can get roughly 50 9mm 124 grain bullets from one pound of lead, which makes even the local metals suppliers' $2 a pound certified metal cheaper than buying ready made bullets - but I am going to pick up some wheel weight ingots I found for $.75 a pound tomorrow. Sorry, he's sold out.

 

[243winxb]

Mathematician Help Needed

only costs him about 5 cents a bullet

Midwayusa -$127.99 for 29.60 lbs. This price includes free shipping. Does it not come out to $4.32 per lb of alloy? There are 7000 grs in 1 lb. So 200gr per bullet into 7000 = 35 bullet per pound. The divide 35 bullet into the price per pound $4.32 = .1234 cents for each bullet. Seems Midwayusa charges a lot for shipping. Roto Metals gets $2.59 for the same alloy, no shipping included. Missouri Bullet alloy is $2.07 per lb. Or .0591 cents each bullet plus shipping. U cast Finished product from Missouri Bullet is >

Bullseye #1
.452 Diameter
.45 ACP
200 Grain SWC
Brinell 12
For Target Velocity
Price per box of 500
Price: $36.00

Or $.072 cents each finished bullet ready to shoot. +shipping Thats very low cost, i just might sell all my casting stuff and just buy them.

 

[BruceB]

If I'm not mistaken, we can BUY finished commercial cast bullets for around $50-60 per thousand. That is five or six cents per bullet. I cast mine for virtually nothing in cash outlay, but that's with free wheelweights and considerable effort to get the metal into a usable form.


Rotometals is a site sponsor for Cast Boolits. Go to www.rotometals.com and click on "bullet casting alloys" in their list of products. Note that the prices include delivery to one's door. Also, note the "quantity discounts" tab for each alloy. Price reductions start at sixty pounds, and increase for varying amounts up to one ton.

Come on over to Cast Boolits; there are over seventeen thousand casters hanging-out and waiting to give you a hand.

 

[grubbylabs]

Not sure what you looked up and I am not sure what alloy he bought but that is what he said his bullets are coming out to for price so I am not really overly concerned about your math. Or your ability to pick an item and use it for an example when you have no idea what you are comparing it to.

 

[winchester1886]

! have been a caster since the early 90's I cast bullets for handgun and rifle.I not only benefit from low cost but the pride that when you find that special load that you made the bullet yourself. There are some things you must have and some decisions to make.I recommend the Lyman casting kit.The kit contains a 10lb electric pot,dipper ,Sizer Lubricator .a tool to apply gas checks,a Ingot mold, a stick of lube ,and a cast bullet Book by Lyman all at a really good price. Oh yea a thermometer comes with it.

 

[armoredman]

243, I can't imagine anyone actually buying Midway's lead.

 

[MMCSRET]

On the castboolit site there are people selling lead and lead alloys all the time. There are also sponsors on the site that sell alloys. Sign up on castboolits and cruise the sale adds. There are several offers ongoing right now. You must be a member for a month or 25 post before you can list to sell but you can buy as soon as you sign in.