Casting your individual bullets has all the time been the most effective methods for reloaders to economize and achieve whole management over their ammo. It’s a craft that connects you to greater than a century of shooters who poured their very own lead and tailor-made each spherical to their wants. I’ve been at it for many years, beginning with a little bit 4‑pound Lee pot and aluminum moulds, cranking out the whole lot from plinking rounds to looking hundreds. However as my casting wants grew—and as I wished traditional bullet designs like Elmer Keith’s legendary .44 SWC—I noticed it was time to step up my gear. That’s the place RCBS got here in, and after switching to their metal moulds, 25‑pound furnace, and heavy-duty Lube-A-Matic sizer, I discovered just a few issues each caster ought to know.
I settled on the RCBS model of that semi-wadcutter bullet, after including a 10mm 200-grain truncated cone flat level bullet mould, as properly.
These moulds are totally different than what I had used earlier than. For one factor, they’re heavier than the aluminum fashions. Being made out of metal, they won’t warp. Each are double-cavity. I suppose the principle distinction between my new moulds and my previous ones is the dimensions… My new RCBS moulds are heavy-duty. They’re bigger, and the handles are bigger, as properly.
I then “graduated” from that 4-pound pot to a bigger 10-pound one. However, with my latest casting improve, I moved to an RCBS bullet furnace. They promote only one — a giant unit that holds 25 kilos of alloy. It’s a doozy, with a built-in thermostat that lets you set the goal temperature. It is available in each a 120- and a 240-volt model.
Rounding out the trio of casting tools, I added a Lube-A-Matic bullet lubricator/sizer. I had, years in the past, used a Lyman sizer, but it surely wore out and I acquired lazy (or low-cost). I went with tumble-lubed bullets and acquired forged bullet liquid alox. After a stint in powder coating (which works, however that’s a separate article), I went full circle again to a lubri-sizer.
I discussed, above, aluminum moulds. Since many casters use aluminum moulds, let’s take a look at the distinction between these and RCBS’s metal ones since we’re discussing casting normally.
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Variations Between Aluminum And Metal Moulds
I’ve used each sorts of moulds and have found just a few variations. I discussed weight above… metal tends to be heavier than aluminum. You want to pay attention to this, as a result of your casting periods could construct a bit extra muscle with metal moulds!
Bullet moulds are usually pretty uniform in measurement, so the RCBS moulds are heavier than the aluminum ones. Add within the bigger handles, and you recognize that you just’ve acquired one thing substantial in your hand.
(Talking of the handles, you’ll discover within the high picture that the mould could also be put in within the handles in order that the sprue plate can swing both method. I didn’t have that possibility earlier than. I’ve them going alternative ways to see which method works finest for my left-handed self. No determination but.)
One other distinction between the 2 sorts considerations upkeep. Aluminum moulds don’t rust below regular situations, however metal will. RCBS recommends leaving the final bullets you forged in your session within the mould… That method, they received’t rust. I simply wipe the steel surfaces with a little bit of oil after issues have cooled down.
One last distinction I want to say has to do with warming the moulds up previous to casting. I’ve to confess that aluminum moulds warmth up fairly rapidly and throw first rate bullets rapidly. Metal moulds want a bit extra warm-up. It’s widespread to get some wrinkled bullets with each sorts of moulds, particularly if there’s any oil or different substance within the mould, so be sure to wipe the cavities out with an alcohol-dampened cleansing patch previous to heating the mould up, at the least the primary time you utilize it. I talk about upkeep beneath.
This lubricator/sizer is typical of the breed, however like the whole lot RCBS builds, it’s heavy-duty. I’ve it sitting on the heater that’s designed for it (you’ll be able to see the temperature knob), in order that utilizing the machine within the winter in an unheated constructing shouldn’t be a difficulty… Bullet lube will movement as wanted.
In case you’ve used the same machine, you can be accustomed to the drill, however I do have one tip. While you purchase a sizing die for the Lube-A-Matic, you might want to order a high punch that matches the bullet nostril’s profile… or do you?
I found, years in the past, that generally the really helpful high punch for a given bullet and sizing die is probably not your best option. For instance, the really helpful high punch for the 10mm die (for the 200-grain flat level) eats into the bullet nostril, as it’s too small for the bullet’s nostril and digs into the bullet. Earlier than, I merely reduce a spherical piece of leather-based and caught it into the highest punch… that cushioned the nostril and didn’t deform the bullet.
Just lately, I merely ordered an outsized high punch… a .445”… to make use of with each the 10mm and the .44 caliber bullets. I received’t must swap it out, and it received’t deform both bullet. Fascinating, the belongings you be taught through the years.
Melting lead alloy shouldn’t be actually arduous… You are able to do it in an previous iron skillet over a very good hearth or a propane burner. Shooters have achieved that for properly over a century. It does assist, nevertheless, to have a software that you should utilize that may mean you can set the temperature of your alloy soften. I take advantage of wheel weights, and the directions say to carry that alloy at 775 levels F. This furnace makes that straightforward.
Set the show’s buttons to that temperature, and stand again. This furnace has a mould information beneath the pot that’s adjustable. Additionally adjustable is the movement fee. That is the spiffiest furnace I’ve ever owned, and I’ve had just a few.
Wrinkled Bullets
What do you do about wrinkled bullets? There are two primary causes for bullets wrinkling. First, the mould is lower than temperature. I discussed above that RCBS recommends that you just park the mould on the swinging pot cowl to permit it to heat up.
The second explanation for wrinkles is that you’ve got a little bit of oil or different solvent within the mould. I used to be, as normal, in a rush to get some shiny bullets down for photographs and didn’t correctly clear these brand-new moulds as I ought to have achieved. Usually, I’ll take a cleansing patch with some alcohol on it and work it into the mould’s nooks and crannies. That may take away any delivery oil. As soon as cleaned, your mould ought to throw stunning bullets. Don’t put any extra oil within the mould.
Care Of Your Moulds
I discussed above that non-steel moulds don’t readily rust. That is true. So, which means on your metal moulds, it’s essential to do an additional step or two on the finish of your casting session.
First, don’t knock the ultimate bullet(s) out of the mould. Go away them there. Whether or not or not you knock the sprue off is your name, however don’t empty the mould.
Then, wipe the skin of the mould with an oily rag. I’ve a giant aerosol can of Rem Oil by my bench that I take advantage of, however any kind of oil will work. The purpose is to coat the metal, however solely on the skin. My bench is in an unheated pole barn. “Un-heated” additionally means “un-air-conditioned”, so Indiana’s uber-humid summers could cause the best of steels to go orange. Right here’s one other reloading-versus-weather tip, thrown in without spending a dime… maintain your reloading powder in a fridge or freezer, if it’s saved in an uncooled space. Warmth and humidity are enemies of smokeless powder, so maintain it cool and dry.
The Upshot
I’m having to be taught to make use of metal moulds for my casting, since I “grew up” with aluminum ones. That’s a very good factor! I now have a few bullet kinds that I’ve wished for a very long time that have been unavailable within the different line of moulds I’d used. I do know that metal moulds should not new to a lot of you, however they’re to me. However… It’s well worth the studying curve! Choose up a mould or two, add within the very useful, highly effective 25-pound furnace and the lubricator/sizer, and your handloads ought to prosper. Isn’t that what it’s all about? Go right here to begin your seek for RCBS bullet casting options.
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About Mike Hardesty
With expertise spanning over 45 years, Mike Hardesty has lengthy loved capturing and reloading. An inveterate reloader, he casts bullets and reloads for a various array of firearms, every dealt with with long-practiced precision. Residing in rural Indiana, his homestead boasts a private 100-yard vary the place he shares his love for weapons to his 4 sons, their wives, and eleven grandchildren. As a acknowledged writer, his writings have been featured in notable platforms like Sniper Nation, Bear Creek Arsenal Weblog, Pew Pew Tactical, TTAG, Dillon Precision’s Blue Press, and Gun Made, revealing his ongoing ardour for firearms on the age of 72.
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