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Joe_S
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Brass mold disadvantages?
Nov 5th, 2017 at 6:40pm
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I have been using aluminum molds almost exclusively for the last 25 years, but am starting to think about a brass mold for better heat retention. I don't know many people who use brass molds, is there any disadvantage to using brass?
I have had good luck with iron molds also but I like the idea of not having to worry about rust. 
thanks!
Joe S
  
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JLouis
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Re: Brass mold disadvantages?
Reply #1 - Nov 5th, 2017 at 6:55pm
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All my moulds I cut are in brass and they turn out some real beautiful bullets. If there is a fault it would be to the heavy handed caster's ruining or damaging the alignment pin holes.

JLouis
  

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Jeff Houck
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Re: Brass mold disadvantages?
Reply #2 - Nov 5th, 2017 at 7:13pm
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Brass molds turnout the most perfect bullets you've ever seen. The only objection, if it is one, is the weight. A 4 cavity can be a bit heavy compared to an aluminum, but not that much more than an iron one. By all means get one and try it. You'll instantly fall in love with it. 

What make and bullet are you thinking of? Mine are all from MiHec: (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links). They're all perfect and much less expensive than any american made molds. Here is a review: (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)
  

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Joe_S
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Re: Brass mold disadvantages?
Reply #3 - Nov 5th, 2017 at 8:06pm
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I will probably order from Accurate Molds, a custom double cavity in Brass will cost $108 plus shipping. I looked at the MiHec website and did not see an option for custom molds. Accurate Molds will make one to your specified diameter and weight with whatever alloy you specify, and the product is delivered exactly as ordered. 
Thanks for the encouragement on the brass molds!
Joe S
  
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marlinguy
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Re: Brass mold disadvantages?
Reply #4 - Nov 5th, 2017 at 8:22pm
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I have an Old West brass bullet mold, and it casts nice bullets. Tom at Accurate makes some nice molds.
  

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Jeff Houck
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Re: Brass mold disadvantages?
Reply #5 - Nov 5th, 2017 at 9:07pm
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You won't go wrong with Accurate molds! What bullet are you going to get.
  

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KFW
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Re: Brass mold disadvantages?
Reply #6 - Nov 27th, 2017 at 5:33pm
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i have brass and like them too, also have 35 or so iron molds, rust has never been a worry or concern. care for them and they will out last you. i spray mine with wd-40 and put them back in the box when through with a run of bullets. 45 yrs and no issues!
  
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DWT1885
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Re: Brass mold disadvantages?
Reply #7 - Nov 27th, 2017 at 6:12pm
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Agree with Jeff. They make beautiful bullets but are on the heavy side. At this stage in my life will probably never order a new mold but if I did, it would be brass. Dale.
  

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waterman
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Re: Brass mold disadvantages?
Reply #8 - Nov 29th, 2017 at 2:50am
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I have some 60 moulds.  The very best one to use is brass, made by Norman Brockway back in the 1870s.
  
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Premod70
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Re: Brass mold disadvantages?
Reply #9 - Nov 29th, 2017 at 10:18am
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After a few aluminum and iron molds my first brass mold sold me on them. The rate at which I cast runs best with the way brass takes heat, better bullets for me!
  
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nuclearcricket
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Re: Brass mold disadvantages?
Reply #10 - Nov 29th, 2017 at 1:22pm
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I for one, am glad to see this topic come up for discussion. I am heading towards the purchase of a new mold and I have both aluminum and steel/iron molds. I was thinking about a brass mold and from what I have seen here so far, it would be a good choice.
Sam
  
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Cat_Whisperer
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Re: Brass mold disadvantages?
Reply #11 - Nov 29th, 2017 at 2:26pm
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only one disadvantage: you will want all your other mouds in brass.   OK, they are not as light weight.
  

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Joe_S
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Re: Brass mold disadvantages?
Reply #12 - Nov 29th, 2017 at 5:38pm
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I thought I had answered Jeff's question as to what mold I intended to order from Accurate Molds. Not sure yet but probably a 315J or 300J. He made those at my suggestion, I have the aluminum version, but due to zinc contamination and other reasons, some of which I have not figured out, I am NOT getting good bullets. A new mold is a lot cheaper than spinning my wheels. 
Joe S
  
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beltfed
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Re: Brass mold disadvantages?
Reply #13 - Nov 29th, 2017 at 6:49pm
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KFW,
I store all my 75-80 molds DRY after casting in GI ammo cans along with VPI rust inhibiting paper. Have done so for the last 60 yrs or so.
Never a rust problem 
AND I don't have to wash off WD40,etc before use. Just pull
a mold from the GI can, mount it on handles and cast cast cast.
beltfed/arnie

  
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beltfed
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Re: Brass mold disadvantages?
Reply #14 - Nov 29th, 2017 at 6:56pm
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Joe S,
A new mold alum,brass or iron will not solve your problem of poor casting
if you do indeed have zinc contamination in your alloy.
I suggest you go to a new batch of alloy and perhaps your existing mold will cast good bullets again.
Been there done that. I very carefully sort my WW to be sure of NO Zn ones. Easy to do with a utility knife. lead ww cut smooth, Zn ones, the blade chatters if you try to "shave off"
on it. Tedious sorting, like I did last night to another "lot" of WW, but better than losing a 60 batch to Zn contam.
beltfed/arnie
  
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