In a previous thread that I posted, ( http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...per-or-bullets )I was looking into casting some non-lead bullets due to California's non-lead hunting law.
Through some input there I went to Roto-Metals and ultimately purchased three pounds of their Bismuth/Tin (88%/12%) alloy.
Why not just buy copper bullets to reload?
Well, because I am a caster and like to "roll my own" when it makes sense.
Generally speaking, the copper bullets are about $1.00 each and from my calcs, my cast Bismuth/Tin bullets will be initially about $.36.
I say initially because I will be shooting them into a bullet trap (At 75 yards) in my backyard and will recover the bullets for re-use, which will bring the cost per round down as I re-use.
I did a casting session using my Lee pot with a PID Temperature Controller, which is basically a thermostat on steroids and also used a 358-158-RF 6 cavity Lee mold.
I will be shooting these from my Henry Big Boy Steel 357 Mag carbine.
Initially I set the temperature for 625 deg. F.
This worked but I found that although the sprue would appear to be hardened, it was not, and I had some smearing when the sprue plate was opened.
I then set the temp to 575 deg. F and that helped.
(Getting long, see next post)