Cold mold…a good thing???

[DeanWinchester]

Any of ya'll got a mold that runs better cold? Weird to me but I have a Lee mold (30 cal) that gives me fits when temp is up. It sticks and gets whiskers on the gas check shank. I've dialed the pot back to the point of getting lumps. BUT, If I run the lead at the temp I usually use and pressure cast from a stone cold mold, it's drops free and makes perfect boolits! Even the weights are consistent. It's a bit aggravating but I've had to get into the habit of juggling it with other molds. I've been casting with it today and I can cast 3 throws from a 45 cal mold and one from the Lee. I set the Lee (empty) on an aluminum plate in between casts.
It's not REALLY a problem as long as I'm casting other things too and let's be honest, theres ALWAYS something else that needs casting.

No matter how much I learn about this hobby, there's always curve balls coming in.

[Beagle333]

Any of ya'll got a mold that runs better cold?

Not me. Mine seem to do better on the hot side. (but I like brass)
I can get useable shooters out of a cold mold, but they got wrinkly noses.

[DeanWinchester]

I can take the mold from the box, pour lead in it and get a wrinkle free boolit. Strange but hey, go with it right?

[melloairman]

Any of ya'll got a mold that runs better cold? Weird to me but I have a Lee mold (30 cal) that gives me fits when temp is up. It sticks and gets whiskers on the gas check shank. I've dialed the pot back to the point of getting lumps. BUT, If I run the lead at the temp I usually use and pressure cast from a stone cold mold, it's drops free and makes perfect boolits! Even the weights are consistent. It's a bit aggravating but I've had to get into the habit of juggling it with other molds. I've been casting with it today and I can cast 3 throws from a 45 cal mold and one from the Lee. I set the Lee (empty) on an aluminum plate in between casts.
It's not REALLY a problem as long as I'm casting other things too and let's be honest, theres ALWAYS something else that needs casting.

No matter how much I learn about this hobby, there's always curve balls coming in.

All 3 of my new style lee 30 caliber molds want to run cold . I do not pre heat them any more . Run the pot cool , and lay the mold on a lead ingot while the puddles harden . Marvin

[TXGunNut]

Is it a new 2-cav? My Lee six-cav moulds like to run hot & fast but the 2-cav does seem to like to run a little slower. Interesting. May have to slow it down a little more. If my mould is happy I'm ecstatic!

[DLCTEX]

Just further proof of the often seen advice from experienced casters that each mould is a law into itself. What works for some mould doesn't work for others.

[DeanWinchester]

Just further proof of the often seen advice from experienced casters that each mould is a law into itself. What works for some mould doesn't work for others.

And THAT can make a fella yank his hair out sometimes!!!

[Ron in PA]

I have a Lee 500 3R 45-70 mold that does the same. I use a wet sponge to cool it down.

[captaint]

Dean - You've discovered the secret. Do what works best. If you're getting good, wrinkle free, consistent boolits - keep doing it. Enjoy Mike

[TXGunNut]

Just further proof of the often seen advice from experienced casters that each mould is a law into itself. What works for some mould doesn't work for others.

I've long believed that rifles are individuals, it seems quite possible the same is true of moulds.

[dromia]

I have an Accurate Moulds 310 Cadet mould that needs to be run cool to get proper fill out especially around the heel.

[gwpercle]

You ever notice boolit moulds are a lot like women. They all got different likes and dislikes but if you treat them just right they will usually respond in a positive way. Finding out what they like is the hard part....
Gary

[silverado]

I have a Lee 500 3R 45-70 mold that does the same. I use a wet sponge to cool it down.

Ditto... on 3 different molds..... pour, wait, drop, then make some steam from a wet rag. They come out smooth and shiny for me

[JimA]

I have a Lee 500 3R 45-70 mold that does the same. I use a wet sponge to cool it down.

My 2 cavity molds are like that too. I get used to going full speed with the six bangers and really have to make myself slow down and cool the 2 cavity jobs with a wet sponge or I get all kinds of rejects.

[williamwaco]

Just further proof of the often seen advice from experienced casters that each mould is a law into itself. What works for some mould doesn't work for others.

I store each mold with a note that lists all its idiosyncrasies.
It might be a year or two before I use that mold again and I will not remember.
This saves a lot of time "figgering out what it likes" - again.

[JimA]

I store each mold with a note that lists all its idiosyncrasies.
It might be a year or two before I use that mold again and I will not remember.
This saves a lot of time "figgering out what it likes" - again.

That's a darn good idea. I might forget in 20 minutes if I don't write everything down....

[TXGunNut]

I store each mold with a note that lists all its idiosyncrasies.
It might be a year or two before I use that mold again and I will not remember.
This saves a lot of time "figgering out what it likes" - again.

Good point. I have a "Casting Notes" page in each section of my loading notebook and each time I use a mould I make notes about that session. Wish I'd started doing that when I started casting, I've had to "re-learn" a few moulds' likes and dislikes.