Powderman
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I just read a thread concerning hunting black bear. One poster mentioned that they liked a certain type of cast bullet, then another poster said that they ordered them by the THOUSANDS 
because the company was slow on delivery.
Why not cast your own?
Here's two installments of two threads I started over on the 1911 forum.
It should help those who want to get into casting their own bullets. Other experienced casters, moderators, who ever, please feel free to add to the stuff I've listed here. After all, it's all about getting folks to the range, right?
Well, here it is....
________________________________________________________
While I do not claim to be even close to an expert with casting, I have picked up a few things over the years, and I hope that by sharing them others will benefit.
Moderators, experienced casters and others, please chime in if I miss something, OK?
First considerations
Bullet casting is simple, but it's not for the simple minded. There are things that will go ouch, and things that will hurt for a long time if you don't take some simple precautions. Here's what I've learned:
1. Take the proper precautions.
This means that you must use the following:
High-temp gloves, suitable for handling hot metals.
Full-length heavy denim work clothes, preferably with an apron. This will protect you from hot metal splashes and spills.
Safety goggles or glasses--ALWAYS.
Breathing protection. A filter mask is OK, a respirator is better.
Baby wipes--for the immediate wipedown right after casting.
Good, heavy work shoes.
2. Always be aware of SAFETY!
You will be handling, pouring, and holding molten metal, in excess of 600 degrees F. in temperature. This stuff doesn't play, folks. Deep tissue burns can happen in a second with this stuff.
NEVER hold the hot molds over ANY part of your body.
DO NOT allow any type of moisture around the casting area. One drop of water can cause a steam explosion, which will spit molten metal all over. Tain't pretty.
ALWAYS wear breathing and eye protection when casting. Use the breathing protection to keep lead particulates from entering your respiratory system. Eye protection? See paragraph above.
Keep the temperature of your lead pot below 800 degrees. At about 900-1000 degrees, the lead actually starts to vaporize, and you will actually inhale some of it. Lead is a cumulative poison, as we all know.
Cast outside, or use a good fan, blowing right across the pot, out an open window.
When you are done casting, or take a break, use the baby wipes to wipe your hands first. Then wash with plenty of hot soapy water. DO NOT smoke, eat or drink ANYTHING before you do this.
That's all for part one. Reflect on this if you want; I'll post Part II tomorrow.
Oh, if you want to read up on all of this, I suggest any good book on casting will give you the heads up.
More to come.............
__________________
because the company was slow on delivery.Why not cast your own?
Here's two installments of two threads I started over on the 1911 forum.
It should help those who want to get into casting their own bullets. Other experienced casters, moderators, who ever, please feel free to add to the stuff I've listed here. After all, it's all about getting folks to the range, right?
Well, here it is....
________________________________________________________
While I do not claim to be even close to an expert with casting, I have picked up a few things over the years, and I hope that by sharing them others will benefit.
Moderators, experienced casters and others, please chime in if I miss something, OK?
First considerations
Bullet casting is simple, but it's not for the simple minded. There are things that will go ouch, and things that will hurt for a long time if you don't take some simple precautions. Here's what I've learned:
1. Take the proper precautions.
This means that you must use the following:
High-temp gloves, suitable for handling hot metals.
Full-length heavy denim work clothes, preferably with an apron. This will protect you from hot metal splashes and spills.
Safety goggles or glasses--ALWAYS.
Breathing protection. A filter mask is OK, a respirator is better.
Baby wipes--for the immediate wipedown right after casting.
Good, heavy work shoes.
2. Always be aware of SAFETY!
You will be handling, pouring, and holding molten metal, in excess of 600 degrees F. in temperature. This stuff doesn't play, folks. Deep tissue burns can happen in a second with this stuff.
NEVER hold the hot molds over ANY part of your body.
DO NOT allow any type of moisture around the casting area. One drop of water can cause a steam explosion, which will spit molten metal all over. Tain't pretty.
ALWAYS wear breathing and eye protection when casting. Use the breathing protection to keep lead particulates from entering your respiratory system. Eye protection? See paragraph above.
Keep the temperature of your lead pot below 800 degrees. At about 900-1000 degrees, the lead actually starts to vaporize, and you will actually inhale some of it. Lead is a cumulative poison, as we all know.
Cast outside, or use a good fan, blowing right across the pot, out an open window.
When you are done casting, or take a break, use the baby wipes to wipe your hands first. Then wash with plenty of hot soapy water. DO NOT smoke, eat or drink ANYTHING before you do this.
That's all for part one. Reflect on this if you want; I'll post Part II tomorrow.
Oh, if you want to read up on all of this, I suggest any good book on casting will give you the heads up.
More to come.............
__________________
