Tumble Coating using Air Soft BB's (lots of Pics)

[coxa2]

This is the method I use to powder coat my bullets.

I use food tupperware containers that I purchased from my local Dollar General.


I fill them this full of air soft BB's. I put a spent 38 special case next to it for comparison.


I then add half a tablespoon of powder coat to the BB"s. Try not to add too much powder coat at one time. After a couple batches of bullets the powder coat will take on a dingy/dirty look. So I try to keep it to where I am adding fresh powder every 2-3 batches.


I then add a handful of selected bullets to coat. These are 135gr pills for my 9mm, 38spl, 357mag.




Put the lids back on the containers and place them in my tumbler. I use a Lyman Turbo Pro 1200 tumbler.




Place top back on tumbler and tighten down. Turn on and let run for 5-10 minutes.

[coxa2]

I use the cheapest examination gloves I can find to pull out and place the bullets on try to bake.


Coat the ends of your glove with powder coat and then start picking out bullets.




Once placed on tray I bake at 375-400 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Before Baking


After Baking


I have never done or needed more than one coat doing this method. Hope this helps with people who learn visually like me!

[bangerjim]

Glad it works for you.

I swirl-n-shake for no more than 15-20 SECONDS total with ROUND Zip-Lok containers to get perfect boolits every time. I tried the vib thing, but it takes waaaaaay too long and tends to grind off lead in the process, making the lighter colored boolits darker.

Thanks for the pix!

banger

[Walter Laich]

to echo what Jim says I think the bullets coming in contact with one another is what makes the powder look dingy/dirty.

I have learned at the foot of the Master and have great success with Jim's method but then whatever works for you is good, too.

There are many routes to get to excellent powder coated bullets and each may take a different route to the same destination, Kung Fu Phred

[Pumpkinheaver]

I just shake my containers. Works great for me.

[wv109323]

I notice you use screen wire to bake the bullets on. Does this cause a "grid" pattern on the base of the baked bullets? Would not a piece of NSAF make a flat base?
I am getting set up to PC. I have never done it and asking questions.

[bangerjim]

We strive for the flattest bases possible. Remember, the drive force of the powder pushes on the base and a flat base is the best for repeatability and accuracy. I set all mine on racks with Al roof flashing bent over the rungs and then cover that flashing with NSAF. NOTHING sticks to that foil! Just remember to use the NS side!!!!!!! Don't even ask why I know! The flashing gives a good flat base under the foil.

But depending on your personal shooting needs, mabe a non-flat base may not be important. Totally up to you.

Happy coatings!

banger

[flyingmonkey35]

I did these as a shake n bake and and in a big giant pile. Not the prettiset but they shoot great.

[coxa2]

I notice you use screen wire to bake the bullets on. Does this cause a "grid" pattern on the base of the baked bullets? Would not a piece of NSAF make a flat base?
I am getting set up to PC. I have never done it and asking questions.

Slight grid pattern, but I've never had any ill effects from it. Mostly PC for pistol rounds.

[Walter Laich]

we also have to realize that different folks have different ideas as to accuracy. In cowboy shooting all you have to do is hit a 16" square plate, bullseye shooting calls for a higher degree of accuracy.

We are using accuracy without defining it

[twc1964]

Heck, just use some parchment paper to bake em on. Never sticks to boolits and can be used over many times. Works for me. Ymmv

[Mark454]

Parchment paper here. You can use it over and over.

[Hickok]

Parchment paper here. You can use it over and over.

Works great for me too. Where do you guys find the silicone mats I read about in the Stickies. Are these the same as the non-stick trays and pans at Wally World?

[bangerjim]

My wife bought a set of those mats at Sonoma & Williams cooking "stuff" store in the mall.

She likes them for cookies.

I will stick to NSAF for boolits.

banger

[parson48]

I know that, for some folks, physically swirling/shaking a bowl of boolits can be difficult and painful. This vibrator method might be just the ticket for them.

Thanks for the pics.