why the change

[steeler61054]

Have been casting some 54 cal 230 grain round balls and the first 100 or so were coming out close to 230-231 grains. Now Im lucky if they come out 225-228 grain. What happened. I have tried changing temp up and down but no change. Could it be Ive skimmed off to much stuff off the top?

[fishhawk]

I would make 2 guesses mold temp being one may have changed the dia. of the ball or the lead is not as pure as the first batch of ball cast.

[fishhawk]

first answer yes. Flux will clean the metal and also work to help mix other alloys into the lead.

[steeler61054]

Tried without preheating and no change so I'm guessing I need to try a new batch of lead.?

[fishhawk]

Why even worry about it in a muzzle loader? That's not enough difference to mater.

[JSnover]

Weird things would happen to my alloy temp if I ran my pot less than half full. It could be as simple as that.

[trapper9260]

I say i would not worry about it there is not much of a differents .If you are not sure test some of the ones you wonder about and then you will know if they will shoot the same as the ones that you have the weight you looking for and if there is no different to speak of then use them.I would not worry about if it was me.