How does this look?

[dsayer]

Hi all,
Bought some old lead pipe from a scrap yard the other day and made a few round balls and Lee REALs. This is only my second time casting anything and first time with lead not purchased clean from a foundry. I've read the biggest issue with the REALs is making sure the bands are sharp so they engage the rifling properly.
So, how does this look?

217173

My average weight was around 381.5gr with a coefficient of variation of ~0.5%. I culled anything with visible imperfections or weighing less than 379gr or more than 383gr.

[Outer Rondacker]

Picture perfect. The bullet looks good but I see a more important part happening here. You are enjoying yourself. Keep up the good work on both ends.

[Maven]

What OR said!

[Wayne Smith]

Success is always encouraging. Go and cast some more!

[dsayer]

Thanks everyone!! I noticed some of the bands in my first batch were a bit rounded compared to these. I don't have a thermometer but I cranked my little Lee pot as hot as it would go. Seems to have filled out a little better this time. I was also quite a bit faster so think the mold was staying hotter.

Just ordered 25# of stick on WW ingots from TheCaptain so I'll get a bit more practice shortly.

[Nit Wit]

I don't believe sharp bands are as critical as you think! Save out the dull ones and try them, you may be surprised.
Nit Wi

[Earlwb]

It is looking good. That is about as perfect as it gets. Nice job.

[dsayer]

I don't believe sharp bands are as critical as you think! Save out the dull ones and try them, you may be surprised.
Nit Wi

Noted and will try. Thanks!

I'm a PhD scientist and a total geek about process and perfection, so can sometimes be a bit anal about these things.