Poppy
02-09-2012, 02:45 PM
Hello all, new member here, trying to learn all I can about casting. Been reloading for 35 yrs, just got started casting. I have obtained a Lee 20lb bottom pour pot and .357 158 gr mold (tumble lube) and a .45 cal 255 gr RNFP mold (not tumble lube), both Lee brand. I've made ingots from wheel weights, and poured about 500 bullets ea from the two molds. I mixed up some of the 45-45-10 lube I read about here and used that to lube with (tumble lubed all bullets). I trimmed the .45 bullets to .452 with the Lee push through bullet sizer before loading and they weigh in at around 258 gr. I loaded the .38 bullets as cast, (didn't buy the sizer for that caliber) they measure about .358 or a little larger and weigh in at around 161 gr. I have shot the .38's in Ruger Speed Six, GP100 4" and S&W mod. 65 3". They group fairly well (2" at 20 yds. except GP a little tighter) with no leading. The .45's were loaded and shot in Ruger New Vaquero and a New Model Flattop .45 that Lypsies put out a couple months ago (both stainless guns). I got leading with commercial lead bullets with a variety of powders and loads, the cylinders were tight so I obtained the Manson reamer and reamed the cylinders. Leading decreased but my new cast bullets giving me some lead as well, but they shoot good groups (1 - 1.5 in at 20 yds). I know I need to slug the barrels but have no pure lead yet to make a soft bullet, only wheel weights.
O.K. now my question. (1) Since I tumble lubed the .45 bullets (non tumble lub design) can I expect leading anyway, or is it possible to tumble lub this bullet and not get leading. Load was 8.0 and 8.5 gr. Unique. The leading isn't severe but of course I know little about what I'm doing so I need direction. I was hoping to tumble lube everything I cast but don't know if this is realistic. At this time I only plan to cast for handgun. .38, 9mm, 40 S&W and .45.
2nd question - (2) I noticed when the molten lead level was decreasing in the pot while I was casting that the color at the surface of the lead changed to a copper hue. Now I imagine that means something but don't have a clue what it is. The temp gauge on the Lee unit is graduated from 1 to 10 and I believe it was on about "8" while I was casting. Don't have a thermometer yet. What does the color change mean and is it good, bad, or indifferent?
I've been reading and learning from this sight for a few months now and knew nothing about casting before I got started. Seems like the more you learn the more questions there are. Now that I've gotten my feet wet I will probably have a few more questions. Advice welcomed. Thanks
O.K. now my question. (1) Since I tumble lubed the .45 bullets (non tumble lub design) can I expect leading anyway, or is it possible to tumble lub this bullet and not get leading. Load was 8.0 and 8.5 gr. Unique. The leading isn't severe but of course I know little about what I'm doing so I need direction. I was hoping to tumble lube everything I cast but don't know if this is realistic. At this time I only plan to cast for handgun. .38, 9mm, 40 S&W and .45.
2nd question - (2) I noticed when the molten lead level was decreasing in the pot while I was casting that the color at the surface of the lead changed to a copper hue. Now I imagine that means something but don't have a clue what it is. The temp gauge on the Lee unit is graduated from 1 to 10 and I believe it was on about "8" while I was casting. Don't have a thermometer yet. What does the color change mean and is it good, bad, or indifferent?
I've been reading and learning from this sight for a few months now and knew nothing about casting before I got started. Seems like the more you learn the more questions there are. Now that I've gotten my feet wet I will probably have a few more questions. Advice welcomed. Thanks