Casting #4 shot (not sure I'll do this again)

[BBQJOE]

I thought it might be fun to have some buckshot on hand for the Howdah, so I purchased a Lee #4 18 cavity mold.
Sadly, nowhere in the description did it say this is a real pain in the ass and for the terminally bored only.
All in all I think it took the better part of 5 or 6 hours to come out with a few pounds.
I had no idea each single pellet would need to be clipped. My hand is still a bit sore after trying numerous cutters and clippers.
They've been tumbling for about 6 hours now I'll be surprised if they don't come out looking awful.

There's gotta be a better way to seperate them from the sprues.

(LIGHT BULB!)
I just came up with an idea that might just work!

[Budzilla 19]

BBQJOE, it is an exercise in patience for sure! Just my experience, but that mold needs to be BLISTERING HOT, hot plate is an absolute must. Turn up the heat on your alloy,and go to town! Expect 50% rejects at first, but, I’m sure you know now, when that mold gets to its sweet spot, it’ll put out some strings of shot!
As for tumbling them, just tumble them till you like the way they look!
Good luck.