Another Newbie Humbly Seeking Guidance

[skarke]

OK, I've found a tire shop that will give me the wheel weights that I need.  I've decided that the fun of bullet making might be worth the investment beyond the Lee starter stuff (which I've tried, and liked for Black Powder).  I know that bullet companies do a nice job for a fair price; but, I want to do it anyway. So, these questions have certainly been answered before, but I'd really appreciate your advice and indulgence.  I load pistol, 45acp and 9mm, target stuff (230 RN 452 and 124 9mm).

1.  What do I need (which moulds, swager, swaging heater, etc.)?
2.  What is a good production rate?
3.  How many moulds/how many cavities per mould to be most efficient during the process?
4.  What other tidbits on information might keep me from cussing and spitting too much?

Thanks in advance for your expertise.  You guys are the best.

[Graybeard]

With cast iron moulds I want four cavities and with aluminum if you go with the Lee you can get six cavities. they sure make a lot more bullets faster. For the calibers you'll load for I'd go with four or six cavity moulds. from Lyman or Lee respectively.

I use an RCBS sizer-luber and like it fine hate the Lyman haven't tried the Star and don't think I'd spend that much anyway.

I use an RCBS 22 pound pot but if I were buying another tomorrow it would be the Lyman as I like the way it holds the moulds under it better.

Production rate is personal and depends on your own speed. I'm slow and many folks can make twice as many bullets in same time as me. I like to use two moulds at a time of same type and capacity. I have used three at a time. Helps to let one cool while filling the other to prevent trying to cut the sprue too soon.

[WayneS]

http://www.midwayusa.com/epromolisting.exe/showpage?promotionid=243766&utm_source=bulletcastingheader&utm_medium=category0109

A penny saved ect ect.

[skarke]

Graybeard and Wayne,

Thanks a bunch.  I have gained so much knowledge and entertainment from this site and these forums.  I sure hope that we'll be able to continue to enjoy our passtime in the future.  GB, looks like what you suggest is affordable for mortal man as well.  This pistol stuff is a blast (no pun intended ).  I've always been a BR, one at a time TC Contender kind of guy, but shooting steel plates is so much fun that it has to be illegal in Kalifornia.

I'll let you know how I do.  BTW, this stuff it HOT!!!!  And, a little smelly.

[Graybeard]

If you really want to save money IGNORE links to Midway and buy from GBO Sponsor Midsouth Shooter's Supply. They have lower prices and cheaper shipping. Some times I'm tempted to ban Midway's name from this site to save members money.

[D Crockett]

Skarke you have a pm D Crockett

[Lloyd Smale]

production rates will vary greatly depending on how many cavitys you cast. For a beginner i would stick to ladle casting and 2 cavity molds 4 and 6 cavity  molds especially those casting larger bullets about demand the use of a bottom pour pot. My recomendation to most beginning casters is the lyman master caster kit. It comes with about everything you need to make bullets except for a sizer die and top punch for the press, a mold and some lead. It can be had for a little over a 100 bucks. Once you master the art of making a good bullet and you want to increase production skip the cheap lee pots and buy yourself a good lyman or rcbs. Youll never regret that buy. For the first year your casting dont worry about production. Worry more about making a few quality bullets.

[skarke]

Lloyd,

That's great stuff.  I did an OK job on some muzzleloader bullets a while back, but decided that I preferred sabots.  However, I'm loving this 1911 stuff.  Even the best priced decent bullets are about $65 to $75 per K, plus $10 bucks for shipping.  Wheel weights are free.  I have the basics, just need a sizer and mould.  But, I want to get set up right, at least down the road.  I figure 4K bullets is the break even, using wheel weights.  That doesn't take long, considering I put 400 downrange in a few hours last Sunday.

I'll get good, then get faster, per your advice.

[kitchawan kid]

Just a quick question,I have an old,very old, lyman 45 sizer,will todays dies fit.

[blhof]

If the sizer is for 45 auto or specifies 452 and not worn, it should work fine.  The 45 auto has been around for quite awhile, but there is also the 45 Colt that mic.s at 454 and the 45-70 that mic.s even larger.