I cast and reload for every gun I own and have done so since 1970.
I cast 50 cal balls for 1.9 cents each. Cast 370 grain maxi for 4 cents.
I also started with a Zouave, and cast my own for the same reason. When I got married in 1978, I found that my wife's grandfather had a stash of about 1000 pounds of old water pipe. While I have aquirred a lot more free lead since then, I think I still have a little of that stash.Started casting in 1971 with the graduation gift of Navy Arms Zouave. Minies were not available. Have been shooting hand cast round balls this summer.
Always cast my own; only bought one box when I first started in the 80's.Juat wondering what the ratio of muzzleloader enthusiasts we have who make their own lead versus those who don't.
Ive been rolling my own since I got into the sport.
I picked up a lot of scrap lead for $1/lb so my costs are similarly low. But there is t anywhere to buy lead so I’ve considered trying RotoMetals with 2% tin to help with fill out. Granted one has to purchase quite a bit for free shipping the cost is still under 8¢ a ball. At 8¢ a ball with 39 balls with leftover, that’s over $3.15/lb for lead.
Lucky you, they buy it for .75 it turns around and sells for $3I'm lucky to have a metal recycler nearby. They have two prices, one for lead and one for soft lead. Last time I bought soft was 75 cents. The price varies with the spot price.
Haven't in a while but that's because I made a few hundred up last time I did and still have some left. I will again when I need it because I still have a 5-lb bar of lead waiting to be melted.Juat wondering what the ratio of muzzleloader enthusiasts we have who make their own lead versus those who don't.
Ive been rolling my own since I got into the sport.
I look at it from the same perspective. This is not my job, it's my hobby.When some one adds up their time cost to a project I stop and wonder. Let’s say you earn $30 an hour. Higher then average wage, but not outstanding. So a hour of casting cost your lead, your fuel, and you valuable hours time.
However are you taking time off to work that day?
What would you be doing that hour should you not be running ball?
I can get a premade ramrod, but I like to make them. I can get a pre made gun but enjoy building them.
I only work on them in my off hours. Hours I’m not being paid for anyway
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