lead shot makers on ebay

[hickfu]

are the lead shot makes on ebay any good? its pretty much just the pan with the drippers, you have to have the heat source.

[flyingmonkey35]

I have one. And I've had nothing but trouble with it to be honest.

I am using a propane burner for heat.

And I can only ever get 2 of the five drippers to work at any one time the rest ether size or come out in blobs.

Last night I tried for 3 hours and needed my a about 5 pound of usable shot.

I found a local source selling reclaimed shot for 34 dollars per 25 pounds.

I'm hanging it up for now.

If I'm not having fun, its not a hobby its work.

But construction of it is solid.

I wish I had the cash to go for a Littleton.

[hickfu]

Thanks for the heads up on them.... I will just get shot from RotoMetals I guess 50lbs for 99.00 delivered to my door will have to do. I cant find any cheaper out there


Doc

[mtgrs737]

Flying money, what temp. is your lead? It should be about 600 degrees consistantly maybe a little warmer but around that temp should get you a steady drip. Try an adjustable electric hot plate.

[flyingmonkey35]

Good point

I have a hard time adjusting the lead to the correct Temp.

The flame is ether off or at full blast.

I may try a electric hot plate and get me one of those chaep pid.

[hoosierlogger]

I made one I set on the side burner of the grill and ladle melted lead into it. Works ok. Not perfect shot, but works for me.

[Vinne]

I have been making my own shot for almost 30 years and at times it is a fun hobby and other times it took hours to get a few pounds of good shot. That is when I just shut it down for the day. On good days, I don't want to stop but on the bad ones...well it just don't pay to fight it.

I find clean WW metal is the best to use. Then there is the weather temperature. Too cold and the metal never gets hot enough to flow, too hot and the coolant gets hot quick causing the shot to deform. When it is running right it is fun but when it doesn't then just wait for another day!!

The problem down here now is a good source of WWs. Between the battery makers and the fishers and their sinkers, it is hard to get a steady supply. The batches are getting smaller and smaller. I went from half to almost a full bucket years ago and now I can't even fill a one gallon paint can in a month after the steel and zinc.

[hickfu]

I have plenty of WW alloy and is the reason I asked about the shotmaker. It would be real nice if I could make my own instead of paying 100 for 50lbs....

I was trying out the new Lyman525 slug mold today and it was not closing good (I was using the Lee 6 cavity handles) I stupidly took off my glove to pick up my brush to clean it if there was lead keeping it from closing (I never take off my glove!) well my drill fell and bumped the the pot... I got a nice hot bunch of lead all over the back of my right hand, Luckly I have very fast reflexes and shook it off so the skin is only blistered and looks like I melted it a bit..

Im more PO'ed because the pants I was wearing are ruined..

[flyingmonkey35]

Yeee ouch

[Vinne]

Very true. So many things can happen during a casting or smelting session. The head can only be on one job at a time!!

[Garyshome]

Wolfman said it will feel better when it quits hurting!

[shootinfox2]

Vinne, make sure your catch pot is not touching the shotmaker. It can heat it up quick.

Fox

[Vinne]

You're right Fox. Too far = bad shot...too close = ssszzzzzz.