first time using a bottom pour spout

pelo801 · October 31, 2010, 05:06 PM

i just bought myself a lee production pot 4, and i'm not sure that i'm happy with it. i never had a problem with the molds not filling all out when i was using the ladle method. yesterday and today, i tired out the new pot. i couldn't get a single satisfactory bullet. the edges are rounded, there are swirl patterns on them, the ribs aren't filled out all the way. i tried just about every heat setting. what is my problem? do i need to adjust the pour rate? i am thinking the lead is coming out too fast. any suggestions? thanks guys.

rwilson452 · October 31, 2010, 07:21 PM

Sounds to me like your mold isn't hot enough.

pelo801 · October 31, 2010, 09:22 PM

that's what i thought too, at first. but how hot does it need be? i let it sit on top of the melter for 20 minutes, still had the same problem.

TXGunNut · October 31, 2010, 09:30 PM

Could be mould temp, sometimes speeding up your pouring cycle will fix that. Pour temp is important too, both can affect mould fill. Other possibilities are not enough tin and possibly other alloy issues. What alloy are you pouring? Something new or something that has worked for you in the past?

rwilson452 · October 31, 2010, 10:24 PM

Then there is always the zinc issue.

TXGunNut · October 31, 2010, 10:35 PM

Thanks, didn't want to type the "z" word.

pelo801 · October 31, 2010, 11:21 PM

at first i used the same as i always have used, straight wheel weights. then i tried adding some solder wire. about a 20 inch wire, to about 8 lbs of wheel weights. i suppose a zinc weight could have sneaked in there. could that be my problem?

TXGunNut · October 31, 2010, 11:40 PM

Smelted about 65#'s of WW's yesterday, only found one Zn weight in 20#s sorted that day. Missed two Fe weights. Based on earlier WW surveys I suspect I may have missed at least one Zn weight. Pot also got way too hot, way past Zn's melting point.
Am I nervous? Yes. Will have to cast a few before I feel better about this batch.

chris in va · October 31, 2010, 11:42 PM

I set mine at the midway point, 5 I believe. Fill 3/4 full, literally dip the Lee mold into the lead, but don't let it get in the cavity...PITA to get out. Only takes a couple minutes and I'm in business.

If the mold is not hot enough, you'll get poor fill out and wrinkles.

October 31, 2010, 05:06 PM	#1
pelo801 Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2009 Posts: 718	first time using a bottom pour spout i just bought myself a lee production pot 4, and i'm not sure that i'm happy with it. i never had a problem with the molds not filling all out when i was using the ladle method. yesterday and today, i tired out the new pot. i couldn't get a single satisfactory bullet. the edges are rounded, there are swirl patterns on them, the ribs aren't filled out all the way. i tried just about every heat setting. what is my problem? do i need to adjust the pour rate? i am thinking the lead is coming out too fast. any suggestions? thanks guys.

October 31, 2010, 07:21 PM	#2
rwilson452 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2004 Location: Tioga co. PA Posts: 2,647	Sounds to me like your mold isn't hot enough. __________________ USNRET '61-'81

October 31, 2010, 09:30 PM	#4
TXGunNut Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: If you have to ask... Posts: 2,860	Could be mould temp, sometimes speeding up your pouring cycle will fix that. Pour temp is important too, both can affect mould fill. Other possibilities are not enough tin and possibly other alloy issues. What alloy are you pouring? Something new or something that has worked for you in the past? __________________ Life Member NRA, TSRA Smokeless powder is a passing fad! -Steve Garbe I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it. -Woodrow F. Call Lonesome Dove My favorite recipes start out with a handful of used wheelweights.

October 31, 2010, 10:24 PM	#5
rwilson452 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2004 Location: Tioga co. PA Posts: 2,647	Then there is always the zinc issue. __________________ USNRET '61-'81

October 31, 2010, 10:35 PM	#6
TXGunNut Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: If you have to ask... Posts: 2,860	Thanks, didn't want to type the "z" word. __________________ Life Member NRA, TSRA Smokeless powder is a passing fad! -Steve Garbe I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it. -Woodrow F. Call Lonesome Dove My favorite recipes start out with a handful of used wheelweights.

October 31, 2010, 09:22 PM	#3
pelo801 Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2009 Posts: 718	that's what i thought too, at first. but how hot does it need be? i let it sit on top of the melter for 20 minutes, still had the same problem.

October 31, 2010, 11:21 PM	#7
pelo801 Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2009 Posts: 718	at first i used the same as i always have used, straight wheel weights. then i tried adding some solder wire. about a 20 inch wire, to about 8 lbs of wheel weights. i suppose a zinc weight could have sneaked in there. could that be my problem?

October 31, 2010, 11:40 PM	#8
TXGunNut Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: If you have to ask... Posts: 2,860	Smelted about 65#'s of WW's yesterday, only found one Zn weight in 20#s sorted that day. Missed two Fe weights. Based on earlier WW surveys I suspect I may have missed at least one Zn weight. Pot also got way too hot, way past Zn's melting point. Am I nervous? Yes. Will have to cast a few before I feel better about this batch. __________________ Life Member NRA, TSRA Smokeless powder is a passing fad! -Steve Garbe I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it. -Woodrow F. Call Lonesome Dove My favorite recipes start out with a handful of used wheelweights.

October 31, 2010, 11:42 PM	#9
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	I set mine at the midway point, 5 I believe. Fill 3/4 full, *literally dip the Lee mold into the lead,* but don't let it get in the cavity...PITA to get out. Only takes a couple minutes and I'm in business. If the mold is not hot enough, you'll get poor fill out and wrinkles.