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Posted: 10/29/2009 4:20:35 PM EDT
I just got a new Lee 4-20 bottom pour pot and a new 452-228-1R mold to resume boolit casting.
I was using a cast iron pot and ladle, hand pouring boolits but that got to be a PITA so I took a break from that. Running low on .45 acp boolits I ordered the Lee pot to resume casting hoping this would be easier. Man is it ever! I also got a 452-228-1R mold as I didn't like the TL mold I already have. 
The new mold drops the boolits at .453 and I sized them down to .452 using the Lee sizer and Alox. Then loaded a test batch at 4.5,4.8, 5.1g and 5.4g. Bullseye. The alloy is 50/50 WW and pure lead. 
My normal load for cast 230g lead RN is 5.0g Bullseye, but the boolits from the new mold like 4.5g best. Next will be pan lubing the boolits. Alox is nasty. This is a pic of production so far. 
I need more lead! |
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Posted: 10/29/2009 4:44:02 PM EDT
[#1]
I'm jealous!!
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Posted: 10/29/2009 5:14:21 PM EDT
[#2]
Awesome. That looks like a lot of fun
 Remember to ventilate  |
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Posted: 10/29/2009 5:31:11 PM EDT
[#3]
WOW........Those are some badass bullets!!!!! What do you do about ventilation
 Can you post some pics of your bullet mold and sizer/luberjobberthangy
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Posted: 10/29/2009 5:35:16 PM EDT
[#4]
You are using the 6 cavity mold right?
Nice pics. 
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Posted: 10/29/2009 5:53:39 PM EDT
[#5]
Does it help to put all those bullets in rows? they are cuter than mine when I just throw them in a box. Now that you are really into making lots of bullets I bet you give that up.
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Posted: 10/29/2009 6:02:22 PM EDT
[#6]
Lube some as cast to compare and contrast. If sizing doesn't make a difference, eliminate the step.
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Posted: 10/29/2009 6:07:54 PM EDT
[#7]
I open up the windows and we had a nice flow thru breeze lately. I could see the smoke trail right out the window.
I'm using the 2 hole Lee 452-228-1R mold. Ya, I gave up on the pretty rows. I wanted to look for duds and get an idea of good/reject ratio. I have a bunch to sort now. I don't think there will be as many rejects as I had with hand pouring. ETA–– they drop at .453 and I may load a test batch as dropped. My other Lee mold, a TL design, also drops at .453 and I used them as cast. These are the first CB's I have sized. I get some pics of the mold and things 
sizing die 
Right now I am loading .45acp for $.08 a round. Gotta love it! |
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Posted: 10/29/2009 6:39:47 PM EDT
[#8]
If you and your guns like the 228-1R get some 6 hole blocks. The increase in production is well worth the very modest cost.
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Posted: 10/29/2009 6:40:08 PM EDT
[#9]
.08 per round beats .40 to .50 any day.
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Posted: 10/29/2009 8:14:36 PM EDT
[#10]
$.08 per round!!
 I want to start casting |
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Posted: 10/30/2009 5:48:19 AM EDT
[#11]
I'm glad I stocked up on powder/primers a couple years ago!
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Posted: 10/30/2009 11:50:02 AM EDT
[#12]
Nice looking bullets.
I have a furnace just like that. I'm currently loading 44 mag, 357 mag, 45 colt, and 45 acp using Lee 6 banger molds. I'm using the Lee ALOX lube but I agree its nasty. Works though.... I need mo lead
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Posted: 10/30/2009 12:12:15 PM EDT
[#13]
YES!!!!!!
I've got one of those 20# Lee melters feeding a Lyman 225gr 4 banger. |
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Posted: 11/1/2009 3:30:48 AM EDT
[#14]
Quoted:
I'm glad I stocked up on powder/primers a couple years ago! Wish I did the same. If your using lee molds you won't need to size the bulets. |
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Posted: 11/1/2009 10:20:47 PM EDT
[#15]
Op- why don't you like tumble lube bullets? I love mine.
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Posted: 11/2/2009 5:51:15 PM EDT
[#16]
Quoted:
Op- why don't you like tumble lube bullets? I love mine. I'm not the OP, but for me... The shoulder formed by the top band makes revolver reloads less reliable, it is also a pain trying to get a good surface for the crimp since the bands are so narrow. When loading, the bullets are usually eccentrically sized by the cases leading to more run out. Which I feel leads to the last and most important point - I have always found better accuracy with conventional designs. |
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Posted: 11/2/2009 7:27:35 PM EDT
[#17]
Quoted:
$.08 per round!!
I want to start casting I figured the cost of 1k 9mm bullets a while back, seems like it was under $20. For the OP, not sure if you're aware of it or not, but stick on wheelweights are nearly pure lead. Clip ons are about 4% antimony, .5% tin, and .5% arsenic and 95% lead IIRC. Adding some tin will help the mold fill out at lower temperature. |
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Posted: 11/2/2009 9:23:14 PM EDT
[#18]
Yeah, I don't like the TL boolit because it wants to hang up on the feedramp sometimes. The TL design has a smaller nose which makes for a large "step" at the case mouth.
machinisttx, I separate out the stick ons and any pure lead I may have to smelt. I mix it 50/50 with WW for the .45 boolits. I use the pure lead for shotty slugs. I also add a bit of solder waste for some added tin. I need a lead thermometer next. |
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