Which Cavity first Poll

[metricmonkeywrench]

There I was sittin at the drippy Lee 20lb pot casting some 358429’s to escape the Canadian smoke filled outdoors we have been having lately. While doing so as these things go I contemplated the meaning of life, the universe and everything which still seems to come out to 42 so I drifted onto other paths of brain scratching as the bullet pile grew which lead me to this question for the gang…

Which cavity do you fill first in a 2 cavity mould? And why if you want to elaborate on your reasoning?

To keep the orientation consistent for the poll/discussion on a standard 2 cavity mould using a pliers style handle, the far hole is the one farthest away from the handles and the near hole is closest to the handles (I’d add a pix but I ate all my crayons)

If I did it right the poll should be:
Far- Away from handles
Near- Closest to handles
Either- Whichever one lines up first gets the lead

3, 4 and 6+ Cav moulds and nut cracker handles are a different class/discussion and often need a different technique and are not germane to this brain scratching session though I expect “those” folks will add their 2c anyway

[justindad]

I alternate which one I fill first, because I have found it gives me more consistent fill out in all cavities (that’s right, I said “all” and not “both”). I do this for 2-holers and 5-holers.

[Wheelguns 1961]

I voted either, but my real answer is; it depends. Some molds work better when rotating. Some, it doesn’t seem to matter.

[porthos]

does this question have any imporntance at all????

[quack1]

I voted far. No real reason, just the way I've done it since I got my first double cavity mold.

[dondiego]

does this question have any imporntance at all????

Yes, about as much importance as any of them.

[Hick]

For some reason I fill the farther cavity first. Why? I think it lets me see what I am doing better as the first filled cavity has the first sprue puddle. Not a very good reason-- just habit

[Sam Sackett]

I fill the near cavity first. Guess it’s cause that way I am drawing the mold out away from the spout. Seems to make sense, as I have to pull the mold out to cut the sprue and dump the bullets. Gives me a head start…..

Or not…

Sam Sackett

[jimb16]

For me, it depends on how fast I'm casting. Mold temp can vary and you can get more consistent casts if you vary which you fill first.

[michael.birdsley]

closest to the handles. i don’t know why. i guess it seems silly to go from back to front


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[reddog81]

Near for any molds 2, 4, or 6 cavity molds.

[45DUDE]

It's easier to push smooth than pull back. I try to make mine look like a good weld on top.

[GregLaROCHE]

I voted far as most people did, but that’s not always the case. Most of my molds are two cavities, so I don’t think it makes that much of a difference. Maybe it makes more of a difference with six cavities.

[Bigslug]

Near just makes the most sense. You ultimately need to pull the mold back to dump the slugs, and pulling seems to give better control than pushing. I'll do far first if a mold is acting up and seems to want its variables fiddled with, but that's kind of anti-instinct.

[bedbugbilly]

I've used a bottom pour Ideal dipper for 60+ years - you need to add a 4th choice "depends on the mold"

[Charliemac]

I start on the far cavity because I have the mold on a slight incline so I minimize drips or splatters getting into the next cavity. Some molds don't mind that I use a continuous pour where others require an intermittent pour.

[Walks]

What Charlie actually said. ��

[Txcowboy52]

I switch back and forth , for no particular reason. Just the way I’ve always done it.

[kevin c]

I try to alternate ends.

Always starting the pour near or far with my MP 8 cav aluminum molds seems to lead to more frosting and sprue plate lead smearing on the starting end. I get more acceptable and consistent bullets with less smearing by alternating. I’m guessing there’s more heat taken up on the end holding hot alloy the longest.

I’m pretty sure I first read that tip here. The way I cast, it seems to help.

[gunther]

What Charliemac said. Same reason.