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Bullet Casting & Coating MegaThread
- Thread starter 38ExtraSpecial
- Start date
I don’t have much more lead that’s not in clean ignot form left
I have a couple hundred pounds of lead that was tested. Came back as 97% lead 3% 10 should make some good bullets. I need to cut it up in the smaller chunks as the last attempt to melt it down I wasted too much propane.
I have a few random buckets of random scrap left to meltdown.
The acquisition of lead has really slowed in the past 3 to 4 years. We do a lot of tires at my work and I work in one section with another guy and I’ve been there two years come March and the 5 gallon bucket is just a touch over half full. And I would guess only about 15% is lead. The amount of weights we’re putting on and taking off is getting less and less as rims tires and balancing machines get better.
I figure one good strong run come springtime and I won’t need to smelt any more lead for a good long while
I have a couple hundred pounds of lead that was tested. Came back as 97% lead 3% 10 should make some good bullets. I need to cut it up in the smaller chunks as the last attempt to melt it down I wasted too much propane.
I have a few random buckets of random scrap left to meltdown.
The acquisition of lead has really slowed in the past 3 to 4 years. We do a lot of tires at my work and I work in one section with another guy and I’ve been there two years come March and the 5 gallon bucket is just a touch over half full. And I would guess only about 15% is lead. The amount of weights we’re putting on and taking off is getting less and less as rims tires and balancing machines get better.
I figure one good strong run come springtime and I won’t need to smelt any more lead for a good long while
I tested everything when my xrf was working which now It doesn't. But don't have to many different alloys some lino and other heavy alloys I can blend. But most is pure I have bunch cleaned when the mood strikes I'll clean some and put it away. I have more than ill ever use but like you said I haven't seen much either. Every one should stock up before it's gone. I have a few ingots probably 10 of them that would be more work than anything probably cut them with Sawzall with wood blade when the time came. Last bit I have to clean were lead pads they are 3ft x 3ft probably 3/16 thick there is at least a ton. If weather stays might run some more till propane runs out.
I started cleaning out my dungeon to do some casting and maintenance
Never ending you clean it out then go to do something else then gets cluttered my benches are the worst shit collectors need more space to set up rest of my presses. But don't have the room as of know
Almost done with that. I have some larger chunks left. 1 session and done. Everything else has been smelted and poured into smaller ingots. Don't think I'll do it any more.
Probably have 500lbs and several thousand already cast.
Need to shoot actually.
Probably have 500lbs and several thousand already cast.
Need to shoot actually.
No one actually shoots do they? I have been going at least twice a week took a sabbatical from work. After a long year. But always spent way more time in the gun/reloading/laundry room than at the range
“Clean” is a nice way of saying I tossed all the shit on the bench on the ground .
I get out 1 -2 times a month since covid , only cause Im busy as hell with kids
The kids are showing a little more interest so that could change. Im also going to shoot trap and 5 stand more often.
To off set using up primers for pistol/rifle
I have pellet guns to scratch the itch a bit.
I usually binge load.
2 week ends every 4-6 months and prep , load as much as possible that usually last me plenty long enough.
38ExtraSpecial
NES Member
Made up another Akro bin full of these suckers. Man they go fast when all you shoot is 9
I need to get some lever guns back in the mix this winter so I can stockpile these.
I need to get some lever guns back in the mix this winter so I can stockpile these.
Question for ya's.
How are you weighing smaller amounts of lead/ bullets?
Hand counting bullets is a pain in the tail. Same for smaller ingots.
I have some smaller scales. Like 0-2 and 0-4 but then the next step is bathroom scale.
The newer bathroom scales are like instant read so you can't put a container on the scale and then add weight and the one I have doesn't like putting a bucket or milk crate that's already loaded.
How are you weighing smaller amounts of lead/ bullets?
Hand counting bullets is a pain in the tail. Same for smaller ingots.
I have some smaller scales. Like 0-2 and 0-4 but then the next step is bathroom scale.
The newer bathroom scales are like instant read so you can't put a container on the scale and then add weight and the one I have doesn't like putting a bucket or milk crate that's already loaded.
Cheap digital scale from amazon
A lot of them have counting functions
38ExtraSpecial
NES Member
What he said. I think I got mine from Marshall’s. It has a tare function and can weigh up to something like 18#
Jay77
NES Member
I got mine on the cheap from Walmart
Jay77
NES Member
Another year I missed hunting with a cast bullet. Not that I would have been able to test it out due to not seeing a deer…
If you were closer I'd offer my property - zero hunters this year.
And I've got at least 5 does and an okay 6 pointer hanging out regularly about 15-20 yards from my stand (no room in the freezers even if I did go out)
Just weigh 10 bullets then average it out
Can I ask why you count them?
I just estimate, cast as many as you like
Weigh the cast bullets, then divide by the bullet weight.
15lbs lead is 105,000 grains / 150 gn bullet = 700 bullets
I spooked probably the biggest doe yesterday while getting my smelting gear out of a conex box mid property
Jay77
NES Member
Only deer I’ve seen we jumped on the way in and the kid shot an hour later. I’m glad he got it…
Goning to do another pot of rb then clean pot and start casting ww in 45 and going to try hi tech
38ExtraSpecial
NES Member
Any difference with costs between colors?
Attachments
Coats
38ExtraSpecial
NES Member
Yes. Blue is very temp sensitive and will turn dark green if over heated. I think the recommend like 385 degree bake.
I haven’t used the gun metal though so I’m not sure.
Bronze and gold seem to be very forgiving and need a couple more minutes in my oven.
Kryptonite works wonderfully and takes a couple less minutes.
Just make sure the first coat is good and dry before baking.
Think of it like paint. You can paint a wall and it’s dry to the touch in 20 minutes. However you can press and drag down on the paint and smear it right off the wall.
You want it dry dry. If not the outside bakes hard and the inside doesn’t adhere to the bullet. It won’t pass the smash test.
Jay77
NES Member
I tried to make tru blue work and ended up giving up. Those muzzle loader rounds look good and I’m curious how they perform.
I just count to keep a handle on what and how much is in each container.
Right now I have a bunch of different size containers from cigar box size to pretzel jug size.
Once full their to heavy for the small scales and to use the bathroom scale I'm the tare weight plus whatever I'm holding.
Ill keep you posted going to be a bit long list of stuff ahead.
Im so simple and boring , when I see the bottom of the container Its time to make more…I just count to keep a handle on what and how much is in each container.
Right now I have a bunch of different size containers from cigar box size to pretzel jug size.
Once full their to heavy for the small scales and to use the bathroom scale I'm the tare weight plus whatever I'm holding.
