tnv
05-18-2007, 10:06 AM
Thanks for all the input on the .45lc, now please allow me to pose a question 'bout casting if I may.
Like most of you, I have a small collection of molds I've acquired over the years. My favorites come from LBT, it seems almost impossible to cast a poor bullet with one of their molds if you do your part. Regardless of the mfg. though, I find if I drill the "pour" hole slightly larger (withing reason of course) I cast quicker and the mold fills out better with less rejects after the mold comes up to proper temp. Also, a small bevel on the top seems to allow the lead to flow smoother. This seems to be endemic to all the molds, regardless of mfg. and/or size. The only things I have to do is make sure the mold if full (and cold) before drilling, so the backside of the hole stays smooth and flush. Then I polish both sides and it works fine. Usually I can go 15%-20% oversize. And the spru is still cut flush.
This being the case (no pun intended) why don't the mfg's drill the holes larger to begin with? It's no big deal to drill oversize, and it's not rocket science to drill the hole in the centre, so why not save us the trouble? Maybe there's an industry standard for holes? Just curious. tnv
Like most of you, I have a small collection of molds I've acquired over the years. My favorites come from LBT, it seems almost impossible to cast a poor bullet with one of their molds if you do your part. Regardless of the mfg. though, I find if I drill the "pour" hole slightly larger (withing reason of course) I cast quicker and the mold fills out better with less rejects after the mold comes up to proper temp. Also, a small bevel on the top seems to allow the lead to flow smoother. This seems to be endemic to all the molds, regardless of mfg. and/or size. The only things I have to do is make sure the mold if full (and cold) before drilling, so the backside of the hole stays smooth and flush. Then I polish both sides and it works fine. Usually I can go 15%-20% oversize. And the spru is still cut flush.
This being the case (no pun intended) why don't the mfg's drill the holes larger to begin with? It's no big deal to drill oversize, and it's not rocket science to drill the hole in the centre, so why not save us the trouble? Maybe there's an industry standard for holes? Just curious. tnv