Need some advice...casting

[raddiver]

So i've been kind of toying with the idea of casting for a few months now.
I know this is kind of like going to a bar and asking if i should have a drink but i figure there is no other place to get a straight (even if somewhat biased) opinion.

So do i turn and run as fast as i can from the idea, or do i go for it.

and if so, where do i begin my knowledge quest?

Thanks

-Rad

 

[MMCSRET]

There are a lot of people on this forum that cast. For a forum dedicated to cast boolits you need to register at:
castboolits.gunloads.com

 

[armoredman]

Castboolits is THE place for good info - they helped me get started BIG time. It's pretty cheap to get into it, but finding good lead can be a pain as wheelweights disappear from tire shops to be relaced with zinc. There are places that sell bullet metal, (much cheaper than Midway!), just takes a bit of looking.
I enjoy casting, do it in the garage. Take safety seriously, and you can turn out some great looking boolits cheaper by FAR than you can buy them.

 

[Bula]

I've been doing it for about 6yrs now. It is absolutely worth the labor. It's a hobby just like shooting. Initial investment can be high or low, depending on gear. I started with the Lyman Casting Kit from Cabelas ($150'ish), Lyman 429421 2 Cavity to feed my .44 mags. Results were outstanding, and I was hooked. Not sure how many molds I own now, and I've since gone to a 20Lb bottom pour pot. High Volume stuff ie .45acp and .38 special, look into the Lee 6 cavs, which require the bottom pour pot. Great write up below...


http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell_Book_Contents.htm

 

[loadedround]

I suggest you obtain the "Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook." I believe that it is still in print and read it from cover to cover. Said book is one of the best references I've ever had when I started casting many years ago.

 

[jcwit]

Been casting since the 1960's. Only way I could afford to shoot as much as I do. I use the old method of a Coleman Stove and pot and dipper, many like the electric pots, which is fine. Used to only use iron molds but now use mainly Lee milds as they last as long as I'll need them and are much lighter to work with being as they are made of alum.

Do as the previous posters said, join Cast Boolets.com and purchase the Lyman book, loads of info in both.

Best of Luck
jcwit

 

[dagger dog]

rad,
If you reload, you'll like casting it's just a progression. Lyman Cast Bullet Hand book is well worth the $ , and you'll use it for reference on cast bullet,( "boolits"as the guys at the castboolits site call them) loads as you gain momentum.

Plus you will learn a lot about scrounging, and how to get the lead out. The handgun is the best place to start, then work your way up to rifle and the gas checks and such.
It's a whole 'nother page to the reloading book.

 

[raddiver]

http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell_Book_Contents.htm

that was a good read.

Ill try to locate a lyman casting book this weekend.

Thanks for the guidance. Im sure ill have many more questions once i get some gear.

 

[MMCSRET]

The 4th edition of the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook was printed and released last winter.

 

[raddiver]

any advice on 9mm/380 molds?
Should i do one for each or try and do 1 for both?
45 acp?
38 special?

From what im gathering there are good designs and poor designs. I dont know how to tell them apart yet.

 

[evan price]

Good designs typically mimic factory bullets. 125 LRN for the 9mm, for example.
It's possible to find a bullet that will work in the 38spl and 9mm with only a sizing change.

230 round ball profile 45 acp, or 200 SWC if your gun will do it, are the classic 45 acp lead loads.

 

[dagger dog]

One of many the 158 gr LSWC for the 38 S&W Special, you can hardly go wrong with the weight and design.

Lee makes a relatively inexpensive line of aluminum molds that work and each mold comes with the handles, you can find some of their designs on Ebay sites for under 25 bucks.

 

[x_wrench]

i basicly have two "words" of advice for you. 1st, and most important, find a good, reliable, inexpensive source of lead. second, go to castboolits.com. it is THE website to help you get going.