Casting Equipment

[Mike 56]

Well i decided to cast my own bullets. I found a 1qt cast iron sauce pan and a small cast iron frying pan for 4.00. Now for heat i have a turkey fryer burner Walmart has a hot plate for 8.00 or should i find an old Coleman stove at a yard sale. I have been looking at molds Lee molds are the cheapest but are they any good.

Mike

 

[Bon Sauvage]

Mike I have used moulds from Speer, NEI, and Lee. All continue to give good results.

Ogre

 

[Rebel]

The Lee mould will do just fine as long as you take proper care of it. I use a coleman stove to melt my lead, but the turkey broiler should do just fine.

 

[Bubba45]

If the hotplate is around 1000 watts and has adjustable temps it will work.The Lee work good when taken care of as mentioned and also need cleaned with denatured alcohol or similar,caveties smoked with a thin layer of carbon from a candle or match, lubed per instuctions and preheated.Ive found that they break in quicker than most iron moulds and produce a useable ball quicker also. They have a very good lifespan if taken care of :thumbsup:

 

[FPDoc]

I have Lee moulds I've been using without problem for somewhere around 30 years. Just take care of them, the aluminum is more easily damaged physically.. but I've seen more molds (iron) ruined by rust. I probably have between 20-30 molds and at least half of them are Lee aluminum. They are so affordable that you can try out different styles/wgts etc. (often specific mold dedicated to a single rifle/pistol, not just caliber), without breaking the bank. I started with a Coleman stove but the electric bottom pour pots (Id reccomend a 20 lb. capacity pot when you get to that point) are very nice for long casting sessions. Probably 10 lb. pot more realistic for melting on a Coleman and who knows with those dang turkey monster things.
Remember.. WATER BAD..This includes the sweat of your brow!!

 

[Mike 56]

Thanks for the replies i am happy to here the lee molds are good they certainly cost a lot less. I am going to start casting for my muzzleloaders and eventully for my milsurps. My reloading equitment Lee and i have been happy with it.

Mike

 

[MSW]

well, there's much ballyhoo about aluminum molds, but mine have worked fine for three odd decades, so i can't complain, at least not too loud.

remember to do this lead casting business in the out of doors (back porch, etc.) inasmuch as the fumes from this activity can really mess you up.

 

[jbullard1]

I have a couple of the Lee molds and they do a fine job. My heat supply is a burner ring from a propane water heater it will melt a full pot of lead quick. If I'm not outside I have a fan blowing a strong breeze with the shot window and door open

 

[MercerLake]

:v About the only problem with any aluminium block mould is that the sprue plate can gall the top of the mold blocks, use a recomended lube and don't beat on the sprue plate. Heavy leather gloves will allow you to swing the sprue plate by hand pressure. Degrease the mould cavity, smoke the cavity/s, preheat the mold, and you'll throw good balls first time. :v