first bullet cast

[BruniX]

Saturday, the mold arrived by post, shipped by MidSouthSchooterSupply ...

Last night I had a little time to cast some bullets ...
the mold #457193 45 Caliber 405 Grain from Lyman, and the Single Cavity Mould Handles are expensive but seems to be high quality products...

lyman #457193 caliber 45 405 gr.jpg (22.07 KiB) Viewed 2013 times

lyman handle.jpg (13.17 KiB) Viewed 2013 times

First bullet (Emotion) :

45-70 gvt.jpg (50.08 KiB) Viewed 2012 times

I was also able to test a luba-a-matic RCBS, bought used on the net and immediately equiped with a calibrator 45 and the appropriate punch.
Not bad for bullet lubrication ...

6484ad35dd02b396247c84c57b791f86.jpg (16.57 KiB) Viewed 2013 times

I will prepare enough to test 6 progressive loads (36.5, 37.5, 38.5 39.5, 40, 40.5 gr) with IMR 4198, for 3 different brinell hardness (13.4, 15 & 18), or 18 combinations, in triplicate of each to make attempts.

I have prepared labels to keep track of the progress of each ammo box

etiquette perso.png (13.86 KiB) Viewed 2013 times

finally, I decided not to use the dillon 550, the adapters are really expensive and it's too complicated, it is not suitable for reloading rifle.
I opted for a RCBS rockchucker supreme., simple solid and efficient ... a sure value

Equipped with die bushing hornady and lock n load locks of the same brand, we change this tool in 5 seconds.

35c0375807938b5ad00f6086ee478d64.jpg (11.63 KiB) Viewed 2013 times

668fae11d22d88abfd3cba5405c5dd5b.jpg (18.69 KiB) Viewed 2013 times

f0d9ff9826835d641fcd3aaaef1604b7.jpg (22.66 KiB) Viewed 2013 times

finally to be able to quickly change rockchucker press to another tool, I ordered a quick change ultramount system, inline fabrication

9d701d9acc8fee7d61839ad83f536ad4.jpg (49.6 KiB) Viewed 2013 times

IMG_6006.jpeg (61.37 KiB) Viewed 2013 times

very practical, for the bench...

see you soon !

[RanchRoper]

Wow...and I was happy just to clean some brass....

Looks good.

[PT7]

That is a quality looking set of tools you have acquired, BruniX.
Appreciate the photo display.

But most of all, the "first bullet" looks really great.
If it were mine, I'd have it on display and not shoot it!

45-70 gvt.jpg (50.57 KiB) Viewed 2004 times

Congrats!
PT7

Saturday, the mold arrived by post ...Last night I had a little time to cast some bullets ...

[BruniX]

But most of all, the "first bullet" looks really great.
If it were mine, I'd have it on display and not shoot it!
Congrats!
PT7

i think i will do that
it will become a lucky charm

thanks !

[RanchRoper]

Yup. Save that one for the last zombie.

[BruniX]

the main difficulty is to keep the mold at the right temperature, neither too hot nor too cold.
700 ° F on the furnace and,
  possibly preheat the mold above the lead furnace
in general, the first two or three bullet are incorrect (mold too cold)

Sample (source Lee modern reloading, Lyman ...) :

MOLD TOO COLD :

too cold.png (240.3 KiB) Viewed 1997 times

MOLD TOO HOT:

too hot.png (413.95 KiB) Viewed 1997 times

Also, i have spent a lot of time , before to obtain very clean alloy, by fluxing lead, making ingots etc ....

ingots.jpg (57.27 KiB) Viewed 1997 times

[PT7]

Looks like you've done some good homework, and your casting is coming along nicely.
Good work...appreciate seeing/learning through your experiences.

One more thing. At least to my recall, first time I've seen your new avatar. Looks !

Have a good day.
PT7

the main difficulty is to keep the mold at the right temperature, neither too hot nor too cold.
Also, i have spent a lot of time , before to obtain very clean alloy, by fluxing lead, making ingots etc ....

[ESquared]

Great work, Brunix, you are very brave and adventurous to jump into casting your own bullets, which requires some special skills and tools. Thank you for sharing your work and please do keep us posted!

[RanchRoper]

I am ready to place my order for 20,000 45 Colt bullets...can you ship by April 1st?

[JEBar]

great work indeed .... you are not a rookie anymore ....