trickyasafox
12-16-2006, 05:32 PM
first off let me apologize, i know you guys probably get sick of checking these lists and do feel bad to have to ask. if it makes anyone feel better, i did use the search function first :)
for a smelting burner, i really don't want to pay 40 dollars for a turkey frier, is their another burner/stand combo available that might be a little more affordable? i know some people have said they use old colmman camp stoves, but i have access to no such thing.
for the actual casting process i was going to get a lee pro 4 20lb production pot
and i wasn't going to bother buying actual ingot molds, it seems like you can use any sturdy steel container for the ingots
i wanted to cast eventually for:38sp, 9mm, 40cal, 45acp, and if it's feasable, 7mm
i'd like to leave 7mm out in the beginning because until i get a bit experienced, i want to use just straight wheel weights. unless someone knows if you can just cast 7mm gas checked with WW and not have problems, im a bit intimidated by mixing alloys still.
of the pistol calibers listed, i can probably only afford 2 sets of dies in the beginning. I could be wrong, but i was thinking 9mm and 40, just because i shoot them the most, and i figured since they are the lightest bullets i'll be casting they are probably the most forgiving if my hand isn't that consistant with pouring from the get go.
i wanted to try those lee TL 6 cavity molds, i hear some people still get the sizers to go with them? if thats the consensus, can i just get whatever mold i want, with the sizer and still use the LLA? As a final point, if i do get the sizers, do you guys recommend the .452 or the .451 for 45acp? i'll be shooting these out of a g30 and a Springfield armory Mil-Spec. (not to sound forceful but i have heard the warnings on lead and glocks, and i think it's kinda bull-hockey. i've shot some lead out of 3 glocks, 9 40 and 45 without an issue)
also, is one set of handles really enough? or is this like with reloading presses. sure you only NEED one tool head, but an extra makes your life a LOT better?
also i was wondering if anyone had a specific 'recipie' for cutting LLA. like 1part Mineral spirits to 2parts LLA or something like that. and how much should i get to start with? 1 or 2 bottles? it's not available locally, and everything i'll be purchasing is from midway. I have dealer status with them (yay for ffl03s!) so please base suggestions off whats available there.
my total budget is going to be 200 dollars, probably plus or minus 20. I'm in college and i'll be working hard to scrape up that much! :-D
i was going to get that frankford arsenal mold release agent, for the molds and for the ingot molds as well. i am unsure what to use to lub the molds though. i don't have any grease base lubricants on hand, so i am very open to suggestions.
for a ladle and skimmer, i was just going to get those heavy duty BBQ looking ones available at lowes or WM. . . any reason to get anything different?
I have no problems with buying things used! i've been checking the classifieds here and think im finally ready for the plunge. however i very rarely if ever see lee 6 ingot molds for sale. this makes me wonder if people just don't like them and they aren't on the used market, or people like them so much they just keep them. . .
oh and i am going to some estate sales to try to get a cast iron skillet or pot, and try to find some nice old muffin / anything tins. but if you guys have gotten aluminum ones to work, or cheapie ones, i'd like to hear about that as well.
i am sorry this post is so long, i do appreciate any help that is given. if i have any glaring holes please let me know and your suggestion on filling it.
thanks!
mike
ETA: to get lead i was going to try trading my scrap brass for lead at the recycling center. i still have to contact them to make sure they will accept scrap rifle / pistol brass. does this seem worth while or is it a bit foolish to try it?
for a smelting burner, i really don't want to pay 40 dollars for a turkey frier, is their another burner/stand combo available that might be a little more affordable? i know some people have said they use old colmman camp stoves, but i have access to no such thing.
for the actual casting process i was going to get a lee pro 4 20lb production pot
and i wasn't going to bother buying actual ingot molds, it seems like you can use any sturdy steel container for the ingots
i wanted to cast eventually for:38sp, 9mm, 40cal, 45acp, and if it's feasable, 7mm
i'd like to leave 7mm out in the beginning because until i get a bit experienced, i want to use just straight wheel weights. unless someone knows if you can just cast 7mm gas checked with WW and not have problems, im a bit intimidated by mixing alloys still.
of the pistol calibers listed, i can probably only afford 2 sets of dies in the beginning. I could be wrong, but i was thinking 9mm and 40, just because i shoot them the most, and i figured since they are the lightest bullets i'll be casting they are probably the most forgiving if my hand isn't that consistant with pouring from the get go.
i wanted to try those lee TL 6 cavity molds, i hear some people still get the sizers to go with them? if thats the consensus, can i just get whatever mold i want, with the sizer and still use the LLA? As a final point, if i do get the sizers, do you guys recommend the .452 or the .451 for 45acp? i'll be shooting these out of a g30 and a Springfield armory Mil-Spec. (not to sound forceful but i have heard the warnings on lead and glocks, and i think it's kinda bull-hockey. i've shot some lead out of 3 glocks, 9 40 and 45 without an issue)
also, is one set of handles really enough? or is this like with reloading presses. sure you only NEED one tool head, but an extra makes your life a LOT better?
also i was wondering if anyone had a specific 'recipie' for cutting LLA. like 1part Mineral spirits to 2parts LLA or something like that. and how much should i get to start with? 1 or 2 bottles? it's not available locally, and everything i'll be purchasing is from midway. I have dealer status with them (yay for ffl03s!) so please base suggestions off whats available there.
my total budget is going to be 200 dollars, probably plus or minus 20. I'm in college and i'll be working hard to scrape up that much! :-D
i was going to get that frankford arsenal mold release agent, for the molds and for the ingot molds as well. i am unsure what to use to lub the molds though. i don't have any grease base lubricants on hand, so i am very open to suggestions.
for a ladle and skimmer, i was just going to get those heavy duty BBQ looking ones available at lowes or WM. . . any reason to get anything different?
I have no problems with buying things used! i've been checking the classifieds here and think im finally ready for the plunge. however i very rarely if ever see lee 6 ingot molds for sale. this makes me wonder if people just don't like them and they aren't on the used market, or people like them so much they just keep them. . .
oh and i am going to some estate sales to try to get a cast iron skillet or pot, and try to find some nice old muffin / anything tins. but if you guys have gotten aluminum ones to work, or cheapie ones, i'd like to hear about that as well.
i am sorry this post is so long, i do appreciate any help that is given. if i have any glaring holes please let me know and your suggestion on filling it.
thanks!
mike
ETA: to get lead i was going to try trading my scrap brass for lead at the recycling center. i still have to contact them to make sure they will accept scrap rifle / pistol brass. does this seem worth while or is it a bit foolish to try it?