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Mike0904
12-27-2007, 10:03 PM
I'm hoping someone has a link to info on cleaning out lead from a Lee HB mold.
I got careless and got molten lead in the hollow base parts and now its not closing all the way.
44man
12-27-2007, 10:20 PM
Bring it up to casting temp in the normal way, then gently heat it more until the lead melts out. A propane torch played all around the mold works, just don't hold it in one spot.
Mike0904
12-27-2007, 10:35 PM
I thought about that but didn't have a new tank of propane with me. Will get one tomorrow and try it. Cost of a new mold ain't bad guess if I can't clean it up i'll get one and hopefully learn a bit from it, I hadn't lubed it enough probably.
mauser1959
12-28-2007, 02:13 AM
OK , which molds from lee are hollow based? I would think that would increase accuracy alot in the pistol cartridges: on the same vein , I wish that lee made a gang mold in a devestator type of hollow point.
Buckshot
12-28-2007, 05:12 AM
OK , which molds from lee are hollow based? I would think that would increase accuracy alot in the pistol cartridges: on the same vein , I wish that lee made a gang mold in a devestator type of hollow point.

...........The various Minie' designs along with one 45 cal rifle boolit. That would be their 405gr HB.

..............Buckshot
Mike0904
12-28-2007, 01:46 PM
That is the mold I have the 405 HB and still no luck cleaning it.......
It shoots great thru my Pedersoli RB.
44man
12-28-2007, 02:53 PM
Can't you just take the mold apart? Most of the lead is not stuck to metal, it is just in crevasses and could be picked out with a sharp stick.
4thebrdz
12-28-2007, 03:28 PM
Heat it and try a brass brush or some kind of small pick.
MT Gianni
12-28-2007, 03:38 PM
A carpenters pencil or a #2 wood pencil will remove small bits of lead as you coat the mold and pin with graphite. Gianni
Mike0904
12-28-2007, 04:03 PM
Thanks 44man I did just that I had nothuing to loose at this point figured if I ruined it just need to get another one anyways. All is well in the world again.
I lubed and smoked it again and its better than it was, only cast about 30 the first time now I just finished 10# and have about 250-300 haven't counted yet. :drinks:
44man
12-28-2007, 07:05 PM
Great, happy to hear that. :drinks: