Author Topic: Sticking bullets (Read 662 times)

jh45gun · « **on:** February 01, 2005, 06:08:00 PM »

Ok a quick refresher course for me though I bet this has been discussed a thousand times here if not more. I normally use Lee moulds and last night I just cast for the first time with a Ideal (Lyman) mould. With the lyman mould I had sticking problems and normally had to tap the handles to release the bullet. I have had the same problems though with the Lee's also. What to you guys do so the bullets drop better? The mould was clean and I even smoked it with some matches but it still stuck most of the time a few bullets dropped like they should but most stuck and it was not just one side it was one or the other. The bullets did cast well and looked good. Metal was straight wheel weights. One other question after I got done casting and the furnace cooled it had a real orange red residue on the sides and the stem of the pot what causes that? I cleaned it off with a drill and a wire brush so it cleaned up good just wondering what the red color came from? I do not think it was rust I had left the pot full last time I used it is this a good or bad idea? Jim

Doc Killpatient · « **Reply #1 on:** February 01, 2005, 06:54:45 PM »

I had the same problem. The guys from here told me not to "smoke" my molds with wood matches as they may have some wax in them that gets into the mold. Also, they advised me to boil my molds with a mild detergent for 15 minutes which I did and WOW what a difference. My bullets fill out better and they don't stick to the mold near as bad as they used to. Might be worth a try. It worked for me. My .02

Duffy · « **Reply #2 on:** February 01, 2005, 07:29:22 PM »

Another thing to check for on the molds is the sharp edges around the cavity itself. Sometimes when they machine them there's tiny burrs that the lead flows into and hangs the bullet up. Also can prevent the molds from closing and cause venting problems. I use a ink type eraser and gently smooth the edges a bit. A good magnifyer will help you see them and also and keep you for rounding the edges and going too far. Just take off the burrs, that's all. Have also used a loupe and a exacto blade but that's pretty intense work if your not used to it.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #3 on:** February 01, 2005, 11:11:42 PM »

its normal to have to tap your bullets out if there just falling out theres a good chance there not filling out right. you shouldnt have to beat the hell out of the mold but theres nothing wrong with having to give it a rap to get them to fall out.

jh45gun · « **Reply #4 on:** February 02, 2005, 05:13:44 AM »

Thanks for the Info. Jim

Possum · « **Reply #5 on:** February 02, 2005, 03:04:21 PM »

Doc, do you do that with aluminum molds or just iron? the boiling I mean...