I prefer an old school analog thermometer. The digital version seems more likely to break prematurely in my opinion.
I prefer an old school analog thermometer. The digital version seems more likely to break prematurely in my opinion.
Four pages of posts on this thread and it’s been up around 26 hours. Just goes to show how much this group wants a new caster to be successful!
I hear you. I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. I found an analog thermometer online but shipping to me would be $100. I can get the digital thermometer and some Frankford Arsenal flux for $75. Can't find this analog thermometers anywhere locally here in SA.
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The solid soft lead bullet is undoubtably the best and most satisfactory expanding bullet that has ever been designed. It invariably mushrooms perfectly, and never breaks up. With the metal base that is essential for velocities of 2000 f.s. and upwards to protect the naked base, these metal-based soft lead bullets are splendid.
John Taylor - "African Rifles and Cartridges"
Forget everything you know about loading jacketed bullets. This is a whole new ball game!
Casting indoors is not a good idea. If you must do that, a few things to consider.
Bear in mind I am a "safety Nazi" and have been accused of being "over the top"...but here goes.
If you live with people you love, you need to vent the fumes. That will require some kind of hood and vent system with a powered exhaust fan to the outdoors.
Then, you need to be prepared for a major spill of hot lead. That includes some way to contain it, a large fire extinguisher in case stuff starts to burn, and a few pails of water. If your home has a basement, that is a good location as a spill on concrete has much less risk. Place your casting setup away from flammable surfaces.
Some of the suggestions you received will generate a lot of smoke that is not pleasant to the sense of smell. If you move forward with them, wait until dark so your neighbors do not call the fire department. That will not be a pleasant experience. If you are renting, your landlord may deal with you harshly. If you have a fire, your insurance company may view melting lead in a home as gross negligence and not an accident. Many insurers will not cover gross negligence. Contacting your insurer is suggested.
IMO you should not be casting bullets until you know you can go it safely and without financial risk. If I was in your situation, I would buy bullets, or find a friend or relative that has a place where I could cast outdoors.
Don Verna
No problem with the safety precautions. I will take as many of the suggestions forward as I can but I'm really enjoying the fact that I started and the assistance from the group has been a real motivator. I have the garage door and the back door open so there's a real draft that pulls through. I'm really being extra careful and I have my work bench setup where nothing can catch flame. It's a brick wall and a concrete floor.
Your advice is appreciated.
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Looks like that mold started life as a Lee 6 cavity and has been extensively modified.
The mold blocks, sprue plate and cam opening system look like Lee. However the hardware to attach blocks to the handles, captive HP pin system, and hinge bolt and hold down bolt are not Lee but a product made in South Africa. I visited the web site to see if they have better information to explain or illustrate their product and it is pretty barren. Maybe if a few photos were taken in bright overcast it might show the details a little better.
Wow, the mold looks in pretty bad shape, hopefully you can get it cleaned up. IMO, you dont need a therm with a Lee 20#, just turn it to 8 & heat everything up. Lubricating the mold alignment pins is important & making sure the mold is 100% closed beforf pouring will prevent smearing.
EVERY GOOD SHOOTER NEEDS TO BE A HANDLOADER.
NRA Cert. Inst. Met. Reloading & Basic Pistol
You don't have to thank every person who responds to one of your posts. We understand.
All the thanks we need is to see some nice bullets being made!
Which Lee two cavity mold do you have on the way?
Cultural differences are interesting. When you said you were "casting indoors", I assumed what indoors mean to me. A garage is a great place to cast...just not considered "indoors" by anyone in my circle of friends...and that includes a lot of rural hillbillies.
Good luck!!!
Don Verna
Currently casting and loading: .32 S&W Long, .38 Special, 9X19, .357 Magnum, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, 10mm, 44 Special 44 Magnum. .223, 7.62x39, 7.62 x 54R, .30-06, 45-70, .32, .36, .44. .45. .50. .54. .58 and .60 round ball and various minies. And .375 heel crimped conical for those .36 conversions . KB6MRP on Discord
BP | Bronze Point | IMR | Improved Military Rifle | PTD | Pointed |
BR | Bench Rest | M | Magnum | RN | Round Nose |
BT | Boat Tail | PL | Power-Lokt | SP | Soft Point |
C | Compressed Charge | PR | Primer | SPCL | Soft Point "Core-Lokt" |
HP | Hollow Point | PSPCL | Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" | C.O.L. | Cartridge Overall Length |
PSP | Pointed Soft Point | Spz | Spitzer Point | SBT | Spitzer Boat Tail |
LRN | Lead Round Nose | LWC | Lead Wad Cutter | LSWC | Lead Semi Wad Cutter |
GC | Gas Check |