jwk1
01-24-2008, 09:51 AM
Hi,
I am both new to bullet casting and to this forum. I have some equipment already. I would ask for some general information and advice concerning moulds.
I want a 38 WC mould of some type. What are the advantages of a Lee tumble lube type mould v a more traditional cast / size / lube type mould. With the tumble lube design, what is a reasonable top end speed before you start getting leading assuming proper bullet alloy?
I want a .357 SWC mould. Please provide suggestions and reasons for such suggestions.
I want a .44 Keith style bullet mould for use in a .44 Special and .44 Magnum. Please provide suggestions and reasons for such suggestions.
If you feel that there is a better .44 bullet for use in .44 Specials and or .44 Magnums for hunting and plinking in the 240 - 280 grain range than a Keith style bullet (ie WFN or similar), please provide suggestions and reasons for such suggestions.
I am going to need moulds for casting .45ACP bullets in 200 and 230 grain weights. Please provide suggestions and reasons. If a Lee tumble lube is the easiest way to go, please say so. In this question, my issue is going to be based upon ease of casting, not particularly what is the best if that distinction makes sense.
Where is the best supplier to order moulds? I have looked at Gunbroker and found that many prices are higher than on the manufacturer's website before the shipping is added. Looking for reasonable cost, reputable, fair shipping costs. Accepting credit cards and a website is a plus as it makes ordering easier.
In making suggestions, please keep in mind the following:
1. I am new to casting. Try to indicate products that are easy to use.
2. Reasonable cost is not an objection however being new to this and not sure if I am going to find casting bullets rather than simply buying them worth the time, please be reasonable in your suggestions.
3. In my instance, I have more money than time to throw at this hobby. I may well find that I don't really have time to cast and may be better off buying cast bullets. Reason for casting is wanting some particular type bullets not available locally and not wanting to look at dealing with ordering cast bullets since shipping costs get in the way rather quickly.
4. I have met a gentleman here in my area who is a very experienced bullet caster. He is helping me get started in this process. I learned more in one afternoon from him than I have in hours of reading on the subject. He has some definite opinions that I respect on moulds. What I am looking for in part is varying opinions that I can consider to see what makes sense to me after considering different points of view. If you have a strong opinion on one of the questions above, don't be afraid to throw it out there because that is a big part of what I am looking for.
Thank you in advance for your advice. I realize that I am asking for a lot of thought in a reply to this post.
Jim K
I am both new to bullet casting and to this forum. I have some equipment already. I would ask for some general information and advice concerning moulds.
I want a 38 WC mould of some type. What are the advantages of a Lee tumble lube type mould v a more traditional cast / size / lube type mould. With the tumble lube design, what is a reasonable top end speed before you start getting leading assuming proper bullet alloy?
I want a .357 SWC mould. Please provide suggestions and reasons for such suggestions.
I want a .44 Keith style bullet mould for use in a .44 Special and .44 Magnum. Please provide suggestions and reasons for such suggestions.
If you feel that there is a better .44 bullet for use in .44 Specials and or .44 Magnums for hunting and plinking in the 240 - 280 grain range than a Keith style bullet (ie WFN or similar), please provide suggestions and reasons for such suggestions.
I am going to need moulds for casting .45ACP bullets in 200 and 230 grain weights. Please provide suggestions and reasons. If a Lee tumble lube is the easiest way to go, please say so. In this question, my issue is going to be based upon ease of casting, not particularly what is the best if that distinction makes sense.
Where is the best supplier to order moulds? I have looked at Gunbroker and found that many prices are higher than on the manufacturer's website before the shipping is added. Looking for reasonable cost, reputable, fair shipping costs. Accepting credit cards and a website is a plus as it makes ordering easier.
In making suggestions, please keep in mind the following:
1. I am new to casting. Try to indicate products that are easy to use.
2. Reasonable cost is not an objection however being new to this and not sure if I am going to find casting bullets rather than simply buying them worth the time, please be reasonable in your suggestions.
3. In my instance, I have more money than time to throw at this hobby. I may well find that I don't really have time to cast and may be better off buying cast bullets. Reason for casting is wanting some particular type bullets not available locally and not wanting to look at dealing with ordering cast bullets since shipping costs get in the way rather quickly.
4. I have met a gentleman here in my area who is a very experienced bullet caster. He is helping me get started in this process. I learned more in one afternoon from him than I have in hours of reading on the subject. He has some definite opinions that I respect on moulds. What I am looking for in part is varying opinions that I can consider to see what makes sense to me after considering different points of view. If you have a strong opinion on one of the questions above, don't be afraid to throw it out there because that is a big part of what I am looking for.
Thank you in advance for your advice. I realize that I am asking for a lot of thought in a reply to this post.
Jim K