Author Topic: "LBT molds do not allow hidden internal shrink voids&qu (Read 2555 times)

Aladin · « **on:** December 13, 2003, 01:45:47 AM »

The online brouchure sez "LBT molds do not allow hidden internal shrink voids when used as directed".

Please explain that procedure.

Veral · « **Reply #1 on:** December 13, 2003, 05:52:04 PM »

It is because of the alloys chosen for each part of LBT molds, the venting, and perhaps above all, the expensive to make sprue plate design. The key is to force the base to solidify last and have a puddle of molten lead to fill the shrinking/hardening lead.
Anyone with access to a milling machine and optical magnifiers can check this out by milling bullets completely to chips with a razor sharp mill cutter. As you come to them the voids are visable. There are none in bullets CAST AS DIRECTED in LBT molds. Nose pour bullets are full of them and cannot be avoided.

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #2 on:** December 21, 2003, 03:29:22 PM »

Cool observation - by machining.

That would mean (at least) two things: the ratio of the diameter of the sprue hole to the bullet diameter and the depth/shape of the puddle of the alloy sitting on top.

So what's the ratio and what factors enhance the slow cooling of the base?

Veral · « **Reply #3 on:** December 25, 2003, 08:16:01 PM »

There certainly is no ratio in LBT molds, as I use the same sprue plate for all sizes.

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #4 on:** December 28, 2003, 12:06:15 PM »

Veral -
I've not had the good fortune to own an LBT mould, but I've see some of the pictures and know of the fine reputation.

I was impressed with the special shape on the sprue cutter.

Lone Star · « **Reply #5 on:** December 28, 2003, 02:05:44 PM »

I've used Veral's molds for years, from a 90-grain .257" design to a 300-grain .452" LFN. All performed extremely well, but you do have to know how to cast good bullets. The .257" bullets - with checks and LBT Magnum lube - woulodl shoot 20-shot aggregates of under 0.7 moa out of my BR-grade XP-100 in .250 Savage with 10x scope. I won many CBA postal matches with Veral's bullets.

I did have very few if any base voids with LBT molds compared to other molds I own. I haven't cast much in the last fwe years, but that is fixing to change...

Jim L. · « **Reply #6 on:** December 28, 2003, 04:45:30 PM »

I will second what Lonestar said. 95% of my mold collection is LBTs (Yes I am one of Verals deciples) Keith and Linebaugh too!! and while I dont shoot competition in my 5 or 6 sixguns I do demand accuracy from them and nothing short of perfection from my bullets and only LBT built blocks have been able to give me those perfect bases EVERY cast, and DROP a bullet EVERY time I open the blocks and what I like most is that they are ROUND. I have owned blocks from NEI,RCBS,Applegate (good quality) H&G and the usual mass producers and none of them perform like an LBT. and 100% of my alloy comes from a 40lb bottom pour. Yes set up right and they cast like a ladle. Really if your serious about casting your own go with the best. i know this is a question and answer for Veral but I had to butt in. Have a good one to all.
Jim

Veral · « **Reply #7 on:** December 30, 2003, 08:02:02 PM »

Thank you fellows. I sell what gives results to the masses with the least effort.

Jim L. · « **Reply #8 on:** January 14, 2004, 08:29:36 PM »

Keep up the good work Veral and Judy.
Jim