I cast three alloy mixes yesterday making Lee 358-125 RF for my .357's and .38 Specials. My goal is to find the optimum alloy mix for me with the least amount of WW to pure lead, using my chosen powder. I carefully kept the three alloys separate, and the pot leftovers stayed separate and labeled.
This morning I sized all three batches. I kept data recorded on a notepad, and tried to think of other pertinent data I can use in future casting. Am I missing something?
Mix of pure lead, WW and % of tin by weight.
***Added** Water quench or air hardening
Type lube (LLA)
Diameter as cast and lubed, measured with micrometer before sizing (should have measured before lubing--didn't think of it at the time)
Diameter after sizing without lube
Notes as to appearance, fins at bullet base (back into the ingot pile to re cast), frosting, wrinkles, etc.
I have no plans to be a competitive bench rest shooter. I just want records for myself to be better able to repeat good recipes and cull the poor ones. I already label boxes of loads with powder, charge, primer type and brand. I'm saving money for a scale with which I can weigh my slugs, but right now have a Lee that only goes to 100 grains.
Thanks. Don
**Forgot that I also document if a batch was water quenched or air hardened