first casting session

[silverback32]

Well-

I can now say that I have casted my first bullet- 429421 Lyman......

Does the sprue plate screw always come loose as you start casting? I had to keep tightening mine up- It got so loose it was flopping around in between pours.....any advice? Thanks ps I can tell from my bullets that I have a ways to go yet....I was only able to keep 15 bullets out of 30-40.....

[WHITETAIL]

:redneck:If you look on the side of the mould you will find the set screw.
When you get your spru cutter tight enough to suit you then tighten the set screw.
This holds the screw in place.

[HeavyMetal]

Have had some guys take a punch mark the scew head, in alignment with the set screw, and then file a small flat for the set screw to bump into when it is tightened.

The idea is to tighten the sprue plate, mark the screw, file and then reset the sprue plate to the same tension and then tighten the set screw. The ideas is once set it will never have to be adjusted again!

Not quite sure thats true but I do have a few Lyman's set up that way, as well as some Lee six bangers. So far it's worked out.

[dromia]

Make sure that you have a softer metal in the grub screw hole so that your not tightening steel on steel, it can damage the sprue plate screw.

Lead shot works or my favourite a snip of copper wire.

[silverback32]

Thanks everyone....I am enjoying learning how to do this...

[copdills]

way to go Silverback32 lots of fun and interesting

[44man]

A piece of copper is good but filing a flat on the screw for the setscrew is always best. Just get the alignment as explained.

[sundog]

I cannot remember who I first heard this from, maybe Beagle, a bead from lamp chain under the set screw works real good. I keep a length of it in my possible tray on the casting bench.

[9.3X62AL]

Look out, lamp chains..........thanks for passing that along, Corky!