My adjustable core molds

[stealthshooter]

I finally finished my adjustable core molds. The first is a single cavity that I drilled out to .452 and added an adjustable rod with a set screw. I did it this way so I could put one of my sizes 45 cases in the mold and pour a heavy core that is bonded and it will also allow me to have the lead above the case for a big lead tip bullet.

The next was a 6 cavity Lee 9mm mold that I drilled out to .375 and added a plate with set screws to the bottom of it to secure the 3/8 dowel pins. This system will allow me to easily adjust for the weight I want.

What ya think?

http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab278/shayn8103/071.jpg
http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab278/shayn8103/069.jpg
http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab278/shayn8103/067.jpg
http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab278/shayn8103/066.jpg

[miestro_jerry]

They look good, how much would you charge for a set of these for .38 and .45 swage cores?

Jerry

[ReloaderFred]

Pouring molten lead into the cartridge case isn't going to bond the core. I've tried it, and it doesn't work that way.

For bonded cores, you have to heat both the jacket and the core to the same temperature, which is the way I do it now in a ceramics kiln. By bringing them both up to about 1150 degrees F., they bond tight, even without any flux.

Hope this helps.

Fred

[stealthshooter]

I have not had any problem getting mine to bond using solder flux.

[Jailer]

I love what you came up with for the single cavity. I'd really like to make some heavier bonded core .452 bullets for my 450 Bushmaster. I've been limited to 285gr so far as that's all the lead that can be melted in a .40 case without it flowing over. Your solution is perfect.

Any chance you'd mind making one for a .40 case and selling it? Or maybe charge to mod a supplied mold? I'd be interested in one if you would.

[stealthshooter]

Thanks!!

I can sure do it but I have no idea what would be fair to charge?

[BT Sniper]

So have you had a chance to try it out? I would be curious to see if that rounded top to your inserts will cause problems with the cores dropping from the mold or getting stuck in it. Seems like it would make a concave shape in the base of the cast lead slug causing it to stick in the mold. Should be an easy fix if it does cause problems. Either way looks good, keep us posted.

BT

[GRUMPA]

Brian brings up a good point. Those pins are hard too, if memory serves they're around 50-52 RC and can only be surface ground to make flat. Still if the price was right that sure would be something I would add to my tool bin.

[BT Sniper]

Well making them flat on top is easy enough. Just chuck them up in a drill press or lathe, maybe a drill and hit it with a hand held grinder till flat.

BT

[stealthshooter]

I have not tried them yet.....waiting for my handles to get here. I have thought about the pins being rounded off but figured I'd give it a try first and see how it does. If it's a problem I'll just chuck it up in my drill press and mount my 4" grinder to the press and level them off.

[stealthshooter]

Well I had some success with my adjustable core molds. I am going to grind the pins flat not because they won't drop from the mold but because the cores just don't look very good with the small cup on the end. Other than that they are working perfectly!! My single cavity for making heavy lead nose worked out very well! The bullets in the picture are 440 grains and were very easy to do. Just took a once through in my nose forming die after they dropped from the mold!

http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab278/shayn8103/IMG_20111115_192610.jpg
http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab278/shayn8103/IMG_20111115_192523.jpg