Rust in my Lee 4-20 pot

**4V50 Gary** · September 18, 2000, 07:44 PM

There always seem to be a coat of rust on my Lee 4-20 pot. While I scrape away to remove it, it always forms. Does anybody else have this problem and what have you done to prevent it?

JimWolford · September 18, 2000, 08:02 PM

All My lead pots rust, it does not seem to affect the bullets that I make, and it is way more trouble than its worth to remove it.

As you found, it returns overnight.

I just wouldn't worry about it. It will take 50 years to rust to the point where it is unuseable<s>

Jim

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Lay up some blackpowder and flints
The rest we can build, if need be

**Mike Irwin** · September 19, 2000, 09:48 AM

Common problem, but not a big problem.

Try this. In between casting sessions, put the pot in a cardboard box that is just large enough to hold it, and put about half a dozen to a dozen mothballs in the pot.

As the mothballs sublimate, they drive away moisture laden air.

If that doesn't work, the area where you keep it is just too damp, so you'll need to try something with a better seal, such as a Rubbermail container or a very large (20 or 30mm) ammo can.

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Beware the man with the S&W .357 Mag.
Chances are he knows how to use it.

zot · September 19, 2000, 08:15 PM

I have the same trouble, but use steel wool
to remove rust and heat the pot a little and
melt Lymans bullet lube all around the inside

September 18, 2000, 07:44 PM	#1
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,832	There always seem to be a coat of rust on my Lee 4-20 pot. While I scrape away to remove it, it always forms. Does anybody else have this problem and what have you done to prevent it?

September 18, 2000, 08:02 PM	#2
JimWolford Member Join Date: June 20, 2000 Posts: 63	All My lead pots rust, it does not seem to affect the bullets that I make, and it is way more trouble than its worth to remove it. As you found, it returns overnight. I just wouldn't worry about it. It will take 50 years to rust to the point where it is unuseable<s> Jim ------------------ Lay up some blackpowder and flints The rest we can build, if need be

September 19, 2000, 09:48 AM	#3
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,380	Common problem, but not a big problem. Try this. In between casting sessions, put the pot in a cardboard box that is just large enough to hold it, and put about half a dozen to a dozen mothballs in the pot. As the mothballs sublimate, they drive away moisture laden air. If that doesn't work, the area where you keep it is just too damp, so you'll need to try something with a better seal, such as a Rubbermail container or a very large (20 or 30mm) ammo can. ------------------ Beware the man with the S&W .357 Mag. Chances are he knows how to use it.

September 19, 2000, 08:15 PM	#4
zot Senior Member Join Date: April 2, 1999 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 566	I have the same trouble, but use steel wool to remove rust and heat the pot a little and melt Lymans bullet lube all around the inside