When I started casting bullets about 40 years ago, I used some aluminum Lee  molds and some molds by LBT.  I found that I consistently got good results with a lead temperature of 850 degrees.  Since then I acquired some alum molds from Accurate molds and had the same experience. Some of my friends also reported that they got their best results with a temp of about 850 deg. 

Since then I have learned that casting technique and mold temperature are  also important in getting good bullets.

IN a recent thread about getting bullets to drop from the mold, someone suggested a casting temperature of 750 degrees. 

I eventually got most of my issues with that iron mold worked out, and the last few days I have been casting with Accurate Molds 250J double cavity 38-55 mold. I tried casting at 750 and had great results! I hold the ladle to the mold about three seconds, keep the mold temp at approx 215-225 deg. and the results were very good. Good dropout, excellent bases, no externally visible voids or partially filled grease grooves, or wrinkles, etc.   
So the question is:  why am I all of a sudden getting great results with an alum mold at 750 when it has never worked before???

The only thing I can think of is the alignment of the moon and the planets. So if there are any astronomers out there who can tell me if there is anything special or unique in the stars today or tonight, please let me know so I can cast bullets next time they are in the same alignment. 

Thanks!
Joe S

Well Jupiter is in Gemini.

I once had molds that suddenly started working at a lower temperature.  Turned out that my thermometer had gone haywire.  I noticed this when looking at the temperature where my alloy was freezing and saw that it was solidifying lower than the normal 580-600 or so degrees.

I bought a new thermometer and the molds started acting normal again 

Chris.

Thanks everyone for your replies!
I will have to bone up on my astronomy so I can cast when the planets are in the ideal alignment!

I made the mistake of leaving a thermometer in the pot when I fluxed, had to buy a new one. Is there any way of repairing it? 
With regard to the one I am using now, anyone have any suggestions for ways to test its accuracy?

As always, Thank you very much!
Joe S

I never cast bullets when the moon is void of course.

your yard will go to hell, the house will be a mess and no bullets would come about. no matter, you wouldn't be doing any shooting either. 
I already qualify on most of those things, so I could probably use one like that myself. maybe we could get a group discount. Or Medicare assistance.

That seems like the smartest answer