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October 13, 2008, 02:46 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: March 11, 2000
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Bullet Casting--The Simple Pot or Furnace?
I'm gearing up to start making my own cast bullets and I'm wondering if I should opt for the simple pot and burner or go with one of the more expensive furnaces. It's going to be a small-scale operation and likely be conducted away from any easy outlets, so a propane burner seems better. What are the drawbacks to that setup, if any? Am I being penny wise and pound foolish?
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"Know that the pistol has no value, we practically don't use it. We need grenades, rifles, machine guns, and explosives." Mordechai Anielewicz, April 23, 1943 |
October 13, 2008, 02:53 PM | #2 |
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Join Date: June 10, 2004
Location: Tioga co. PA
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a bottom pour arrangement is much better and easier for a beginner. a ladle and pot is much more difficult.
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October 13, 2008, 04:23 PM | #3 |
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Join Date: May 13, 2008
Location: Pottsboro, Texas
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I am not sure what you are asking. Do you want a pot to melt wheel weights into ingots or do you already have clean lead that you want to put in a mold and cast?
It is easier to use something like a turkey fryer to melt the lead and put in ingots than a furnace. It's a lot faster and doesn't fill your bottom pour spout with crud. For casting, Lee's 20lb bottom pour pot (about $60.00) works really well for me. I have had no problems with it so far and have casted 1000s of bullets. You can always get an expensive furnace later. For more information try this site: http://castboolits.gunloads.com/index.php Good luck, I find it to be a lot of fun. |
October 13, 2008, 04:31 PM | #4 |
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Location: Mississippi
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A bottom pour is best but I started out with a bean can on my moms stove(I don't recommend it tho).
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October 13, 2008, 04:35 PM | #5 |
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Join Date: March 25, 2005
Location: Houston, TX
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Maintaining lead alloy melted temperature, filling the mould, and obtaining consistently good cast lead bullets is much easier with a temperature controlled, bottom pour furnace. Melting scrap lead/wheelweights and pouring clean lead ingots can be done with furnace or simple pot and ladle.
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October 13, 2008, 05:55 PM | #6 |
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Join Date: March 11, 2000
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I think I see the difference now. Thanks!
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"Know that the pistol has no value, we practically don't use it. We need grenades, rifles, machine guns, and explosives." Mordechai Anielewicz, April 23, 1943 |
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