Hornady roundball

[excess650]

A swaged ball that is homogenous won't vary in weight unless it also varies in diameter. If the diameter is consistent and weight varies, then there are voids.

I weighed a batch of my .605s a while back and those weighed varied less than 6/10gr. They were dropped from a single cavity mould, and I usually keep a thermometer in the pot so as to know how much temperature fluctuation there is.

Should it matter when you're wrapping it in a piece of rag? Maybe not if you're just punching paper, but I want the ball to stay together if shooting large game.

 

[Ames]

Oh boy. Now I have to go cut the seals on all the new boxes I have in the cabinet to see what I was sold. :cursing:
Never had an issue yet, but me thinks its time to peek.

 

[coloradoclyde]

If you don't have a place to cast I can definitely see your problem!

The only problem is a lack of problem solving skills....
I once lived in a small second story apartment...I did my casting out on the balcony.
Casting doesn't take up much room, it is very portable...For a number of years I basically lived on the road...and still managed to cast the balls I needed.
Casting is portable, centuries old technology....It doesn't need to be difficult...

 

[Ray-Vigo]

I used Hornady and Speer before I got a place with more space and started casting. The Speer balls were a bit better. The Hornady balls were not bad, and did not shoot badly from my rifle. However, some of the Hornady balls were not really spherical - some had several small, flat spots on them. I wonder if the stamp had something residual left in it, and the remnants made flat spots in the balls. The Speer balls were better.

I would not cast in an apartment or on a balcony. You risk extensive liability if cause a fire, or if you're on a balcony, accidentally spilling molten lead onto other people or other people's property below. Your renter's insurance would probably refuse to cover because they would view it as negligent, so it would likely be straight liability.

 

[coloradoclyde]

I would not cast in an apartment or on a balcony. You risk extensive liability if cause a fire, or if you're on a balcony, accidentally spilling molten lead onto other people or other people's property below. Your renter's insurance would probably refuse to cover because they would view it as negligent, so it would likely be straight liability.

At risk of debating your comment....I would say that it is less dangerous than a gas or charcoal grill and far less dangerous than a fry daddy....

My comment was meant as an illustration of possibilities and not advice for the novice...

I was taught lead casting in in school (7th grade)....Anyone with that level of education should (hopefully) be able to cast safely...IMO.

Casting does not need to be a big ordeal....it can be done on the tailgate of a pickup truck....If you have the right knowledge..

 

[rdstrain49]

Clyde, once again I find myself in total agreement with you. I started casting at about age 12, using a ladle, cast iron lead pot and a one burner Coleman stove. Had a couple of single cavity molds. My entire casting set up would fit in a small cooler. (preferably once everything had cooled down)

 

[Walks with fire]

I listed the lot number so people that have that lot should "take a peek". It's the only lots I have found issue with. Midway has a sale on ball right now for Speer ball. Cheaper than off the shelf Hornady.

 

[Walks with fire]

I do intend to get casting equipment and will do it outside. Even if I could cast inside I wouldn't. In my younger days I poured iron in a foundry so I am sure I can handle the safety issues making ball.

Who makes the best molds and should you go single or double cavity?

 

[BrownBear]

I listed the lot number so people that have that lot should "take a peek".

I'm hoping you passed your observations and the lot number along to Hornady. My experience with the company sezz they'll be all over it, looking for other examples as well as the cause. Doesn't do any good at all to run the flag up the pole if Hornady can't see it.

 

[Walks with fire]

Yes; I sent them an e-mail that included the lot numbers. I am sure they will look into it. I don't want a refund or anything. It's not a big issue either but not the usual quality they offer.

My work makes me a bit anal about quality controls and we provide nothing but top quality. Peoples lives are at risk if it's not. It tends to get into your blood a bit. But for a lead round ball it's pretty much meaningless unless your a match grade shooter which I am certainly not.

 

[rdstrain49]

Walks, I've been casting for a very long time. I have Lyman, RCBS, Saeco, Hensley & Gibbs, Big Lube and Lee molds (moulds) and probably some others I'm forgetting. While your mileage may vary, I really like the Lee molds. You MUST follow their instructions regarding cleaning and prep. of a new mold. A word of caution. If you are casting ball larger than .50 cal., you must cut the spru when the frost appears on the spru. If you wait until the spur hardens completely for example when using two molds, you will damage the very thin edge at the top of the mold. Other than that, Lee does an excellent job at a bargain price. If I could get a better mold but it cost four or five times as much I would. I use Lee.

 

[mooman76]

I also like the Lee moulds. They do an excellent job and will last a life time with proper care. I have some other moulds too but for RBs, Lee works just as good if not better. I cast in my garage now but used to cast inside the house. Works good when taking the proper safety precautions. Good way to whittle away a time on a cold winter day.

 

[Rifleman1776]

If you are casting ball larger than .50 cal., you must cut the spru when the frost appears on the spru. If you wait until the spur hardens completely for example when using two molds, you will damage the very thin edge at the top of the mold.

Interesting comment. And, you describe a condition I have never observed or experienced. But your use of "two molds' is also interesting. Are you doing two sizes at one sitting? Or using two moulds same size allowing one to cool while pouring the other?
BTW, I frequently open up the pouring hole in Lee moulds with 60 degree reamer. Not much, just a little to allow faster pouring. Less wrinkling that way.

 

[rdstrain49]

Rifleman; The answer to your question is a definite maybe. I use two molds at the same time, alternating of course when I:

1 Want to increase production of one bullet style. Two molds eliminates the need for waiting for the spru to cool and keeps the mold from over heating.

2 Want to cast different bullet styles, usually when I have only 1 or 2 cavity molds. Again, keeping it at casting temp and speed it up a bit.

I use two molds simultaneously when using iron or aluminum molds, but normally don't mix the two metals. I don't think it would cause a problem, I just don't do it. (no good reason)

I use one and only mold at a time when casting larger than 50 cal. ball and using aluminum molds. I have found no problems when using iron molds in tandem for large round ball.

If I can be of any assistance please don't hesitate to ask. PM me and I'll give you my # and we can discuss what ever is giving you problems. Happy to share over 50 years experience.

 

[bpd303]

I regularly use three molds in a casting session. Usually 2 round balls and 1 minie, depending on which I need.
Fill one, set it down fill the second, set it down, fill the third, set it down then go back to number one and cut the sprue, drop the ball and fill it & set it down, then the same with two and three. That way I just rotate and cast a lot with each session.