I am now a Believer

[4stringdude]

This goes out to all those who have advocated heating your steel molds with a blow torch. I believe! I have always used aluminum molds. They heat quickly. Usually they are up to temp after only 4-6 pours. Not so much with steel.

I bought this Lyman Plains mold about 2 years ago. I didn’t get it out because I had bullets to shoot. This season my supply was running low, so I decided to give it a try. After two failed molding sessions, I decided to give the torch a try. It still takes a while to get up to temp, but once you are there, you are good to go.

I took some to the range yesterday and they are money at 50 yards. Here in the Indiana woods, that is usually my maximum range. I have no doubt they will be accurate out to longer ranges. I didn’t get a chance to test it, because I emptied my powder flask. I had to call it a day.

I Believe!!

 

[michiganmuzzy]

Those look great.

 

[HC]

Looking good.
The old Lewis torch tip.

 

[edmehlig]

This goes out to all those who have advocated heating your steel molds with a blow torch. I believe! I have always used aluminum molds. They heat quickly. Usually they are up to temp after only 4-6 pours. Not so much with steel.

I bought this Lyman Plains mold about 2 years ago. I didn’t get it out because I had bullets to shoot. This season my supply was running low, so I decided to give it a try. After two failed molding sessions, I decided to give the torch a try. It still takes a while to get up to temp, but once you are there, you are good to go.

I took some to the range yesterday and they are money at 50 yards. Here in the Indiana woods, that is usually my maximum range. I have no doubt they will be accurate out to longer ranges. I didn’t get a chance to test it, because I emptied my powder flask. I had to call it a day.

I Believe!!

View attachment 38767View attachment 38768

What diameter do they drop from the mold?

 

[4stringdude]

A random sampling: Top Band .545 Bottom Band .542. The weight is 460 grains, +- 2 grains. I'm using pure lead.

The ones I shot yesterday started easily with a short starter. They rammed home without difficulty. I'm shooting a T/C Thunderhawk.

 

[John0313]

Nice looking bullets!!

 

[eekjellander]

I use a hot plate for even heat for steel or aluminum as my molds are expensive and my torches
are for cutting ! /Ed

 

[4stringdude]

I use a hot plate for even heat for steel or aluminum as my molds are expensive and my torches
are for cutting ! /Ed

What setting on the hot plate and how long when you heat the mold?

 

[eekjellander]

What setting on the hot plate and how long when you heat the mold?

Set on #4 or 5 it waits until I get there ,along with my ladle and any other molds I'm casting that day . Remember slow and certain beats a overzealous torch any day and my molds aren't distorted by overheating one spot or 1/2 the mold ! In all the yrs casting (A LOT) never used a torch (even Lewis) commented on my casting results ,especially large conicals (think compression casting) /Ed

 

[brad502a]

I use a cheap hot plate as well. Garage sale $2, it works well.

 

[white eagle]

those are some sexy looking boolits

 

[Nannyhammer]

I use the hot plate and have an old saw blade that I put on the heating element. The molds then sit flat on top of the saw blade.

 

[rangerod]

Nice job. Very good looking bullets. My dad was born and raised in the Hoosier state. Ever heard of Windfall? That's where he was born.

 

[4stringdude]

Nice job. Very good looking bullets. My dad was born and raised in the Hoosier state. Ever heard of Windfall? That's where he was born.

rangerrod,

Years ago, I used to do service calls Kokomo, IN. Sometimes I would change my route just to break up the boredom of the drive. These alternate routes took me through lots of small towns, including Windfall.

 

[4stringdude]

I use the hot plate and have an old saw blade that I put on the heating element. The molds then sit flat on top of the saw blade.

I love all of the great tips offered on this site!!

 

[Bad Karma]

Those are some dandy looking bullets! Much superior to any commercial bullets.