New Henry tomorrow and casting

[Mistered]

The days of getting wheel weights is rapidly passing.

In spite of what some are saying about them (tire weights) This is what I have thought and heard for quite some time from people I know who used to cast. Some have reported little to no success getting them anymore and even got the cold shoulder from some tire shops about it.

[2guns]

That's what I'm getting. I e talked to 8-10 tire shops and they are telling me that 90% of theirs are mostly zinc now. I did check sites from Acme and Missouri bullets and the lead is a third or better than Midway, Natchez Ect. I do have a 4 quart Dutch oven here we haven't used in years. I guess a Ladle and a mold would get me started. After seein Missouri bullet prices they were great in bulk. I just can't find a 260 grain mold in 45.

[clovishound]

Actually, that seems like a rather large pot to me. I started casting using a metal coffee can I cut down for easier dipping. Not great for long term, but it got me started. A small to medium saucepan seems ideal to me. Too large a pot makes the lead too shallow to properly ladle up, or requires too much lead to be brought to temp, unless you are planning on a big casting session. I moved on to a 10 lb electric melter. The biggest issue I have with it is that it is slow to melt, compared to a gas burner. It also needs to be set on nearly the highest temperature setting to get the lead hot enough for proper casting.

[2guns]

Would a small copper pot work or would copper mess up the lead.

[Mistered]

Actually, that seems like a rather large pot to me.

Yikes! Ya think! Yea take CH's advice on the size - been there myself but I started off with a small pot that was about maybe 16 oz liquid size and heated it up on a Coleman single burner camp stove - worked very well.

[tx gunrunner]

I sold most of my casting stuff and I made most of my target bullet molds like the 2 below . I only have my black powder stuff left . I have over 100 lbs of pure lead left and a few molds .

[2guns]

What were you shooting the 400 grain 40 caliber in? Notice you have or had a lot of 2 cavity molds. You prefer those over the six cavity. Just curious.

[clovishound]

Would a small copper pot work or would copper mess up the lead.

I would use something that will never be used for food again. I doubt the copper would get hot enough to mix with the lead, but I'm certainly no metallurgist. A small stainless pot would be ideal, but likely anything other than a teflon pan should work. I'd be afraid that teflon might overheat and flake off.

[tx gunrunner]

What were you shooting the 400 grain 40 caliber in? Notice you have or had a lot of 2 cavity molds. You prefer those over the six cavity. Just curious.

In pistols I prefer 2 cavity molds , 1 cavity I like in my target rifles . I only use 4 or 6 Cavity mold in full auto guns because you can't control the bullet and mold temp . I built both of these guns below

[JCN]

Great thread.

I've watched a few videos of guys melting range scrap and casting. Seems like a fun way to spend the afternoon.