jamesp81
04-09-2017, 10:53 PM
Anyone who has read my threads know that I've had some problems with undersized 45 caliber pistol bullets from two Lee molds, a 2 cavity and 6 cavity, both 200gr SWC design.
I did a partial Leementing on the 2 cavity mold, figuring if I botched it up I'm only out about 20 dollars. I used the lead through a nut method to lap both cavities with valve grinding compound. I followed that with lapping with comet cleanser to polish. I also improved be venting by using a Brownells stone (normally used for polishing sears for trigger jobs) to round the top edges of the mold. Now, instead of dropping undersize and oblong from .451 to .454, they now drop oblong .452-.453 to .454. So they are still a little out of round, but no longer undersized. This is an acceptable condition for now.
The finish in the cavities left by the comet is still rougher than I'd like, and you can tell on the texture of the bullets. While it's aesthetically displeasing to look at, they are properly sized so I'm not going to complain. I will load and shoot these and see what kind of results I get.
I have not done the same process on the 6 cavity mold, and I'm seriously leaning towards not doing it. The bottom line is that I bought the cheapest molds I could find, and I got what I paid for.
I'm thinking real seriously about going with "buy once, cry once" on my next mold purchase. I am interested in Accurate Molds. I'd like to get something with 4 or 5 cavities, and I'm wondering what the best mold material is. So far, my only casting experience is with Aluminum, which Accurate Molds has as an option. Should I stick with that, or is there a good reason to try iron or brass? Do either of those offer any advantages?
If I go this route, I'll be looking for a 2oogr 45 caliber pistol mold, most likely an H&G68 or similar design, as similar bullets have shot very well in my 1911 previously.
Edit:I'm also looking at MP Molds. Also looks to be good quality, for a little cheaper. It looks what I want is only available in 4 cavity brass.
I did a partial Leementing on the 2 cavity mold, figuring if I botched it up I'm only out about 20 dollars. I used the lead through a nut method to lap both cavities with valve grinding compound. I followed that with lapping with comet cleanser to polish. I also improved be venting by using a Brownells stone (normally used for polishing sears for trigger jobs) to round the top edges of the mold. Now, instead of dropping undersize and oblong from .451 to .454, they now drop oblong .452-.453 to .454. So they are still a little out of round, but no longer undersized. This is an acceptable condition for now.
The finish in the cavities left by the comet is still rougher than I'd like, and you can tell on the texture of the bullets. While it's aesthetically displeasing to look at, they are properly sized so I'm not going to complain. I will load and shoot these and see what kind of results I get.
I have not done the same process on the 6 cavity mold, and I'm seriously leaning towards not doing it. The bottom line is that I bought the cheapest molds I could find, and I got what I paid for.
I'm thinking real seriously about going with "buy once, cry once" on my next mold purchase. I am interested in Accurate Molds. I'd like to get something with 4 or 5 cavities, and I'm wondering what the best mold material is. So far, my only casting experience is with Aluminum, which Accurate Molds has as an option. Should I stick with that, or is there a good reason to try iron or brass? Do either of those offer any advantages?
If I go this route, I'll be looking for a 2oogr 45 caliber pistol mold, most likely an H&G68 or similar design, as similar bullets have shot very well in my 1911 previously.
Edit:I'm also looking at MP Molds. Also looks to be good quality, for a little cheaper. It looks what I want is only available in 4 cavity brass.