What causes this?

[dbarnhart]

I owe a huge debt of gratitude to everyone here. I would not be casting if it were not for you guys here on this forum. I'm still pretty much a newbie but are coming together pretty well (I cast 1100 .45acp 230gr boolits this morning). I'm starring to work my way down to some of the nuisance-level problems and so here's one: what causes this smearing:

http://www.shootandreload.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/DSCN0170.jpg

temperature of the melt is about 700-720. The mold is a brass mold from Accurate (I love this mold). There does not appear to be any excess play between the mold and the sprue plate.

[RobS]

The lead at the sprue plate isn't set/cooled yet before you cut the sprues and/or you need to get yourself some spure plate lube if you aren't using something already.

[runfiverun]

look at the bottom of the sprue plate,bet it's there too.
some lube on the top of the mold will usually stop it from sticking and building up.
or worse on an aluminum mold, galling the top of the mold.
i have seen everything from a pencil, mold prep spray [graphite again], the bullshop stuff, boolit lube,and even antisieze used.

[LUBEDUDE]

When your molds cool down and you get ready to put them away. Lube the top of the mold- where the galling is ; Not the inside, Lube top and and bottom of the sprue plate. That way when you are ready to cast next time you are ready to go. Plus, you have a rust inhibitor in place for storage.

I use Magma mold lube. Expensive as all get out, but one lubing will last a whole casting session- thousands of pours.
And your molds will Not get galled.

Good Casting


http://castboolits.gunloads.com/imagehosting/75704f9e832be0845.jpg (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=5003)

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/imagehosting/75704f9e834381ab4.jpg (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=5004)

[stubshaft]

When your molds cool down and you get ready to put them away. Lube the top of the mold- where the galling is.




That's not galling it is lead smearing. Use Bullplate or sprue lube, after cleaning the lead off.

[LUBEDUDE]

That's not galling it is lead smearing. Use Bullplate or sprue lube, after cleaning the lead off.

You Could be right.

You have to ask the owner. If he can feel the "etching" in the mold then no.

I have bought a few used molds sight unseen like this that are "etched/galled" from abuse/neglect that look very similar to the picture shown.

And I do know what you mean by the lead smear. That sure would be nice if that IS what it turns out to be.

If so, just gently scrape off with a new razor blade at a 45 degree angle. And tighten the hinge pin.


OP - please let us know how it turns out.

[Char-Gar]

It is lead smearing from cutting the spru on wet bullets. Bullplate on top of the mold will stop that as well as cooling the spru on a damp cloth. To get rid of it, get the mold up to casting temp, touch the smear with some bullet lube or other flux and forthwith pour some hot lead on it. The smear will come off with the hot lead.

[dbarnhart]

LubeDude: yes it is smearing

[MtGun44]

Bull Plate lube is best, but some report decent results with some types of 2 stroke synthetic
lube, but I have not tried it.

Bull plate will clean those smears off as you cast - really.

Bill

[adrians]

" Bull plate will clean those smears off as you cast - really."


Bill

Sure does..:p

[selmerfan]

Unfortunately today is that last day of orders for Bullplate...

[dbarnhart]

Unfortunately today is that last day of orders for Bullplate...

Fortunately, I ordered some bullplate a while back. I probably have a lifetime supply if I can keep from spilling it.