Ok new to all this

[340six]

I figure it is one of the ways to preheat the moulds.
But keep seeing guys post here "I smoke the cavities" or lighty smoke" how is it done?

[Glen]

Using a kitchen match or a butane lighter, smoke the cavities to deposit a layer of soot on the cavity surfaces to help the mould release the bullets more easily.

[AZ-Stew]

BTW, it doesn't figure into pre-heating the mould. That's a separate step using a hot plate, resting the mould on the top of the casting pot or dipping the corner of the mould into the melt for a few seconds before casting.

Regards,

Stew

[9.3X62AL]

Another reason to smoke an aluminum mould cavity is to slow the transfer of heat from the molten alloy to the mould blocks a bit. That often means the difference between wrinkled raisins and smooth castings.

[sundog]

...and if the smoke film reduces the size of the boolit, it's WAY too much smoke. Gotta remember, when smoking cavities, some gets on the block halves. If it's measurable in the cavity, it's measurable on the block half. Reduce the size of the cavity, increase the gap between the blocks (beagling). If it's that close, you need a bigger cavity.

[MtGun44]

I can't really seem to see any difference with Lee or LBT (both aluminum) molds with
or without soot.

Bill

[462]

I don't smoke any of my moulds. If the boolits require more than a slight love tap from a small, rubber mallet, they get the Kroil treatment.

[chris in va]

I smoke mine when I get started, but really just end up pulling the boolits out with a gloved finger anyway.

[snaggdit]

I would agree with the above advice, but add do not use a candle. You will get a wax residue deposited along with the soot and will get wrinkled boolits!

[Bret4207]

Smoking a mould is a last resort measure. don;t do it unless you have to.

[sqlbullet]

I lightly smoke the molds before the very first casting when they are new, and again if I am having trouble with the mold. I have cast thousands of bullets from my mold, but only smoked them a very few times.

[Gunslinger]

I have smoked my cavities a few times... I see no difference. Okay the mold may let the boolits go off easier the next few casts, but afterwards it's the same...

[JSnover]

I smoked mine in the beginning but found I had fewer problems and better boolits after I stopped. A clean mold is a happy mold. Better luck releasing them after carefully breaking the edges of the cavities.