Lead melter
03-18-2008, 07:16 AM
I've read BruceB's sticky on casting softnose boolits a couple of times now and like this idea.
On the other hand, I see what might be a problem for me. My Lee pot is not big enough to allow the mold to be put in on the level. If the mold is tilted, the meld of the two alloys will also be tilted. This may present a problem with penetration going askew in the body of the target animal if the soft tip is lost.
Since the idea is to solidify the lead tip, then add the alloy for the shank, then re-melt all the metal and allow to cool resulting in a seamless meld, would it be necessary to use the pot as the heat source?
My thought would be to use a hotplate just to the temperature where the two portions melt. Since the pure lead melts at a higher temperature than the alloy, and is closer to contact with the actual heat source, once the sprue is melted, I feel sure the nose would also be melted.
But this would bring up the possibility of galling, or warping the mold. Seems to me the Lee aluminum molds are pretty forgiving, plus they seem to transfer heat quickly and cool quickly, but I don't have a whole lot of experience with cast iron molds so I can't make a prediction.
Your thoughts gentlemen?
On the other hand, I see what might be a problem for me. My Lee pot is not big enough to allow the mold to be put in on the level. If the mold is tilted, the meld of the two alloys will also be tilted. This may present a problem with penetration going askew in the body of the target animal if the soft tip is lost.
Since the idea is to solidify the lead tip, then add the alloy for the shank, then re-melt all the metal and allow to cool resulting in a seamless meld, would it be necessary to use the pot as the heat source?
My thought would be to use a hotplate just to the temperature where the two portions melt. Since the pure lead melts at a higher temperature than the alloy, and is closer to contact with the actual heat source, once the sprue is melted, I feel sure the nose would also be melted.
But this would bring up the possibility of galling, or warping the mold. Seems to me the Lee aluminum molds are pretty forgiving, plus they seem to transfer heat quickly and cool quickly, but I don't have a whole lot of experience with cast iron molds so I can't make a prediction.
Your thoughts gentlemen?