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Post by n8dawg16 on Sept 15, 2009 13:42:11 GMT -5
Hello all,
I'm interested in starting casting, where's a good place to start learning the process. Also what's a good pot to heat the metals in?
thanks,
N8dawg
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COR
.375 Atomic
Posts: 1,522
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Post by COR on Sept 16, 2009 17:18:15 GMT -5
The book to start with is the Lyman Cast bullet handbook. Read it twice. Good stuff for under 30 bucks.
As far as the pot goes you will get many opinions, I have a 10lb Lee that works fine, but there are better models. I'm new to it also (less than 2 years) and in retrospect I would get a bigger pot 'cause the 280 - 350gr bullets drain 'em fast. RCBS makes a good 20pounder but the Lee is an inexpensive option that works.
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Post by cstokes on Sept 17, 2009 10:14:54 GMT -5
I second what COR had to say. The Lee pot is a great value and a good place to start. I would suggest the bottom pour model.
I use aluminum molds from NEI and LBT, they are virtually maintainance free (no rust!)
I use a RCBS sizer/lubricator and dies. After breaking repeatedly I threw my Lyman in the trash. The RCBS dies are a better design.
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Post by wickerbill on Sept 18, 2009 19:29:19 GMT -5
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Post by jforwel on Sept 20, 2009 22:56:19 GMT -5
You will want to have a seperate pot for melting dirty lead (wheel weights or scrap) because there will be so much crap in it you will not want that stuff in your casting pot.
Scrounge up some scrap lead and use a large cast iron pot, with a lid if possible. Then use a sturdy propane burner such as one for a turkey fryer. After fluxing and scimming the crud off pour the clean stuff into ingots for casting later. Mark the ingots with the type of metal they are poured from.
Read the books first then go to the castboolits forum mentioned above for all questions you don't find in the books. Oh yea, SAFETY GEAR IS A MUST WITH MOLTEN LEAD
NO KIDS, NO DISTRACTIONS, NO PETS, ETC.....
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Post by Markbo on Sept 21, 2009 14:30:43 GMT -5
Add: SAFETY GOGGLES, GLOVES AND VENTILATION!
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Post by Bowenbuilt on Sept 27, 2009 10:48:49 GMT -5
ABOVE ALL ELSE DO NOT LET ANY MOISTURE INTO A HOT POT OF LEAD. ONE DROP OF WATER WILL EXPLODE THE WHOLE POT ONTO YOU. NO WATER, ICE TEA, SWEAT OR DEW ON YOUR LEAD WHEN IT GOES INTO A HOT POT OF LEAD!!!!!
Lead burns leave permanent scars and hurt like hell!
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Post by bigboredad on Sept 29, 2009 13:29:13 GMT -5
I use a turkey frier and a cast iron pan to melt the wheel weights and then i got a stainless pan from the thrift store for a dollar fifty and a hot plate for 20.00 i use a large stainless soup ladle I drilled a 6/32 hole in the side of the ladle for pouring. It's up to you how much you want to spend you can go expensive or cheap but the boolits will still look the same
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