casting temps

[royce]

Well, I started casting my own bullets. Someone should have had the decency to tell me it's addictive.
What is the ideal temperature or temperature range for casting bullets. I am right now casting 300 grainers for a 45 Colt with used wheel weights. Also. what is a source for a good thermometer?

Thanks
Fred

[2muchstuf]

Welcome royce,
If you want info out of these guys you must give more info yourself.

Ladle or bottom pour?
Alum or iorn mold?
I've been using a Lyman thermometer for at least 12 years, still works fine.
2

[royce]

Righr now I am using the aluminum Lee molds, and melting the lead in a pan on a camp stove in the backyard, ladleling it into the molds.
Royce

[Calamity Jake]

700-750 is about right but let the mold tell you what temp it likes the best.
A casting thermometer comes in handy.

[royce]

CalmityJake
Thanks for the temp ratings- At least that will give me a ballpark to start at

Fred

[Forester]

I use a bottom pour so my temp numbers might be different than yours. What I do with a new Lee aluminum mould is start casting (BruceB style for me) at about 700 degrees as the pot warms up. When I get good boolits I will let the pot run up another 25-50 degrees just to see how they do. Somewhere around that point seems to be the sweet spot. Usually a few degrees above the minimum to get good boolits works well.

Bottom pouring and casting fast and cooling the sprue on a wet towel anywhere from 800-875 degrees usually works for me with a Lee mould.

[cajun shooter]

Tru- Temp on thermometer. Look up on PC. They make it to your specs for about $30. Alot cheaper than overpriced loading outfits. The thermometer is of stainless and they will make it on different shaft sizes and temp ranges. Very nice people to deal with.

[Echo]

We tell people, and tell people, and TELL 'em, but they still get involved in casting, and their family never sees them again...

[copdills]

I have the RCBS Thermo and my casting temp from 650 to 750 about average of 700 degrees

[runfiverun]

the rcbs is a good enough one.