Originally Posted by
docmagnum357
I WILL be casting and coating tomorrow. SO far I am elated with the results I am getting with the H&G 200 grin Semi Wadcutter Knock off from Lee. I am fairly sure I like the 105 grain bullet in the 380 , also from Lee. SO far I have only used the Harbor Freight Black. I thought I could get by with a two coat application but I am now settled on a three coat system with LOTS of acetone, more than 5 to one. I tumble them in my modified cement mixer until they are dry to the touch and then bake at an oven setting of 425 ( not the 400 degrees called for on the container) for at least twenty minutes. I get a mottled look but the bullets are consistent enough and look like a factory made product; no drippy runny looking mess. I am ordering some Black from Powder By The Pound asap. I hope it makes a better looking boolit.
I will send some pictures next time I cast and coat. I am getting ready to cast and coat some 124 grain 2r 9mm boolits, also from Lee molds soon. I shoot a lot of 148 grain wadcutters in my K-38 so they may be next instead of the 9mm boolits.
SO far I have been extremely pleased with this method and I intend to start keeping track of how much powder and how much acetone I use on 1k boolits. I will tweak it 'til it is exactly what I want and I will be glad to share the results.
I have nothing against the Hi - Tec stuff, if it works. It probably does work better than the Harbor Freight Powder. THe problem I have is that it is a long way to Australia from Leicester, NC. Also, I have a real problem with " trade secrets". I used to hang out with con men before I met Jesus Christ, and the " magic box" was a favorite trick to take advantage of hicks, rubes, and people who drive second hand Fords ( of whom I am one). An off the shelf Chemical can look pretty amazing if you are not familiar with chemistry. " It slices, it dices, it juliennes, it peels potatoes....." Well, so will my pocket knife. I had just rather have something readily available, off the shelf, even if it isn't exactly the perfect thing.
Pictures of my set up forthcoming.