Hello,
I ruined my Lee 158 round flat mold yesterday. I believe I had it too hot and the bullets were stuck in the mold. After tapping it (I tapped too hard), my mold no longer closes correctly. I still cast a bunch of bullets, to get the hang of things, but they are not good as the mold will not close completely and the bullets are stuck together.
Now, I am in the market for a new mold. Before I purchase one, I would like to ask: Is it normal for people to tap bullets out of their molds? Should the bullet drop free when you open it? If I spend more money on a steel mold, will it be more likely that I get a mold that will drop bullets freely without having to tinker with burrs and such (assuming I do my part with mold and lead temperature)?
Please feel free to be harsh with your criticism of my rough treatment of my mold. Let me know what you think. I read about the process before attempting it, I just didn't do a good job and ended up ruining my first mold.
Thank you