I've been reloading pistol cartridges for many years and stared shooting black powder revolvers a couple months ago and am interested in casting bullets for my ruger old army and .44 1851 navys (Pietta). The first thing I will need is knowlege - web information and a good book but aside from that what hardware will I need to start casting .454 round balls and conical bullets?
Most muzzle loader casters use pure lead. After the lead, you will need a small pot and a heat source. If money is not a serious problem a Lee 20-4 bottom pour lead pot will be nice. If you are stretched for cash, a small cast iron pot and a used Coleman stove will work well. This will require appropriate bullet moulds and a casting dipper. Lee moulds are inexpensive and should have what you need. However, Lee's dipper is a poor excuse for a casting dipper. Lyman's or RCBS can supply a good dipper (I prefer RCBS).
Use the search function on this forum and look up smelting. If you use scrap lead, you'll need to smelt it before putting it in your bottom pour pot.
One of our Forum brothers has a good web site for a beginner:
http://goatlipstips.cas-town.com/
Get Lyman's cast bullet handbook and you should be on your way.
Welcome to the club!!
Dale53
.............LubeckTech, can't really add anything to what Dale53 posted except to add my welcome to the board.
.................Buckshot
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