RayH wrote on Jun 9
th, 2013 at 6:07pm:
Starting bullet casting. Have no equipment, except moulds. I'll be casting .32 cal. only (20:1 & 25:1). Planning to ladle cast only. What furnace? Can I get away with the 4# Lee or should I go bigger/better? Which ladle? Thermometer? ......... other stuff needed? Many choices and supplier "out of stocks" make it confusing & a bit difficult. I'm hoping to pan lube ........ or do I really need to spring for a Lubrisizer? (I'm guessing the answer to that question lies in the chamber to base-of-bullet as cast relationship.) Any help appreciated. Thanks.
Some here are not going to like this:
I use an old cast-iron saucepan to melt the lead in, usually over a domestic propane gas burner.
My ladle is also cas-iron.
I judge the temperature by the discoloration of the (raked clean) surface of the lead.
The first few bullets/balls go back into the pot until the mould is at the right temperature.
Usually, I knock the castings out into water.
Oh,and I wear welding gloves, a face-mask (respirator) with a suitable filter in it, and goggles.
The only really
serious target shooting I do with a P14 (.303), for which I buy good quality jacketed bullets.
Aonghas