Author Topic: Beginners Guide to Casting (Read 834 times)

Yukon Gold · « **on:** June 09, 2005, 08:23:13 AM »

Been reloading for over 25 years now - but to date, never cast my own. Watched my Dad as a teen, but as a typical teen, didn't pay too much attention. Had other things on my mind (girls :grin: )

Dad passed away almost two years ago - when he died, he left me with about 50 molds (mostly Lyman, some RCBS and a few Lee's). Two pots (a large Lyman and a smaller one) and two lube/sizers (an RCBS and a STARR) - about 300 lbs of lead....and about a gazillion gas checks.

Now that I seem to have some time, and room in garage big enough to swing a cat - I would like to start casting - but have no idea where to start.

Looking for a recommendation to a good site, book, guide anything to get a guy with all the toys, but none of the skills/knowledge to get started.

Forest T · « **Reply #1 on:** June 09, 2005, 10:40:10 AM »

you have a pm

cbrick · « **Reply #2 on:** June 09, 2005, 01:25:26 PM »

I very highly recommend the Lyman "Cast Bullet Handbook"

There is tons of usefull info for the beginner and the old salts.

For more tips and info try this link http://www.lasc.us/CastBulletNotes.htm

This forum is a great place to ask questions. Lots of folks here with years of experience and most are willing to help out someone new obtain the same addiction we have. There are NO dumb questions, if you want to know something or are just plain curious . . . ask away. Remember, everyone that has cast for years at one time turned on a pot for the first time.

Rick

LAH · « **Reply #3 on:** June 09, 2005, 02:53:42 PM »

CBRick is correct. Get the Lyman book.

Prepare your casting area for ease of cleaning and ease of use.

Get you a range hood with fan and rig it close to your pot, leaving only enough room over your pot to flux and add alloy. Keep your area well policed.

Casting is best learned "hands on" after reading the book. I learned mostly from the Lyman book. Had no one to show me anything. You can do the same.

CBRick's group will help you. When starting just "KISS". Go for it.

Yukon Gold · « **Reply #4 on:** June 10, 2005, 03:43:47 AM »

Thanks for the replies - got some good tips and offers of help via PM's. Will give these sites a look.

Longcruise · « **Reply #5 on:** June 10, 2005, 09:37:49 AM »

Also, go to the forum adjacent to this one Veral Smith and LBT and order his book "Jacketed performance with cast bullets" It's a gold mine for the serious cast bullet shooter.