Thinking of getting into casting my own pistol bullets?????

Boomer8404 · February 28, 2010, 12:24 AM

OK, as the title says, I am thinking of getting into casting my own pistol bullets. I have been looking at a few things and am kinda wondering about the initial start up prices. As far as calibers, Im only looking to cast Keith-Style 158gr LSWCs for 357mag and 210-215gr LSWCs for 41mag, cast in maybe Linotype or #2 and I was thinking if I wanted the bullets to be a little harder I could just water quench them. And a 250-255gr LRN or LRNFP for 45LC, for medium power plinker loads. Could I use linotype or #2 for 45LC? As far as bullet lube, I thought about making my own, theres a few recipes on youtube.com. Please give any opinions or pointers. I would like to have 2 cavity gang type mould for each caliber.

Also, is it always that important and or necessary to run cast bullets through a sizing die. Or, should I just go with a standard factory lube and one of those Lube/Sizers presses? Could I use the same lube for the calibers I have listed or would I need a different kind. All loads use smokeless power, no blackpowder. Thanks for the help, sorry if this is a repeating type of a post.

chris in va · February 28, 2010, 02:58 AM

Or...you can just melt down some (nearly) free wheelweights scavenged from the tire stores and have boolits around 15-22 Brinell hardness. Should suit your needs just fine.

I do it for 9mm and 45acp. Still working on the proper mold for 9mm but the process is pretty straightforward if time consuming. Sizing isn't necessary if you slug your barrel and find a mold .002" over that size.

Lee 10# bottom pour pot
Hot plate (or propane burner)
Small 8" skillet
various spoons
Lee mold(s)
mini muffin pan
heavy gloves

The Tourist · February 28, 2010, 03:30 AM

Oh, and eye protection. A small drop of water or an impurity can cause a splatter of hot lead in all directions.

Sport45 · February 28, 2010, 04:19 AM

There's a sub-forum to this one called "Bullet Casting". That might be a better place to post this question.

February 28, 2010, 12:24 AM	#1
Boomer8404 Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2007 Location: Far West Texas Posts: 109	Thinking of getting into casting my own pistol bullets????? OK, as the title says, I am thinking of getting into casting my own pistol bullets. I have been looking at a few things and am kinda wondering about the initial start up prices. As far as calibers, Im only looking to cast Keith-Style 158gr LSWCs for 357mag and 210-215gr LSWCs for 41mag, cast in maybe Linotype or #2 and I was thinking if I wanted the bullets to be a little harder I could just water quench them. And a 250-255gr LRN or LRNFP for 45LC, for medium power plinker loads. Could I use linotype or #2 for 45LC? As far as bullet lube, I thought about making my own, theres a few recipes on youtube.com. Please give any opinions or pointers. I would like to have 2 cavity gang type mould for each caliber. Also, is it always that important and or necessary to run cast bullets through a sizing die. Or, should I just go with a standard factory lube and one of those Lube/Sizers presses? Could I use the same lube for the calibers I have listed or would I need a different kind. All loads use smokeless power, no blackpowder. Thanks for the help, sorry if this is a repeating type of a post.

February 28, 2010, 04:19 AM	#4
Sport45 Senior Member Join Date: May 25, 1999 Location: Too close to Houston Posts: 4,196	There's a sub-forum to this one called "Bullet Casting". That might be a better place to post this question. __________________ Proud member of the NRA and Texas State Rifle Association. Registered and active voter.

February 28, 2010, 02:58 AM	#2
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	Or...you can just melt down some (nearly) free wheelweights scavenged from the tire stores and have boolits around 15-22 Brinell hardness. Should suit your needs just fine. I do it for 9mm and 45acp. Still working on the proper mold for 9mm but the process is pretty straightforward if time consuming. Sizing isn't necessary if you slug your barrel and find a mold .002" over that size. Lee 10# bottom pour pot Hot plate (or propane burner) Small 8" skillet various spoons Lee mold(s) mini muffin pan heavy gloves

February 28, 2010, 03:30 AM	#3
The Tourist Junior member Join Date: June 20, 2005 Posts: 2,348	Oh, and eye protection. A small drop of water or an impurity can cause a splatter of hot lead in all directions.