What do I need to cast my own?

[Jerry Lester]

I'm eagerly awaiting a Single-Six 32 magnum conversion from Clements Custom Guns. I'm having it built to be my main packing gun in all my wanderings, and to serve for small stuff on up to coyotes. I know beyond a doubt that within a year I'll run at least a few thousand rounds through it, and as you know, jacketed .312" bullets get right expensive to be just buring them up plinking, and such. I'm toying with the idea of casting my own bullets, but I'd like the advice of you fellows before I run out, and start spending money for stuff I either don't need, or that is completely wrong all together.

I've pretty much settled on the Saeco (single, or double cavity) .313" 95g Semi-Wadcutter as a good all around bullet. What are the bare essentials that I'll need to get started casting quality bullets with out spending a small fortune. My space is very limited, but can be ventilated reasonably well. I guess I'd have to use an electric unit because I'll be casting in my building, and have no steady heat source that'd work for this. I'm trying to figure out what I'll need to turn alloys into finished, sized, lubed bullets ready for loading.

I,m 100% open to suggestions here, but trying to get by as cheap/simple as possible with out sacraficing quality bullets.

[ron haralson]

You need a heat source (electric or propane hotplate for example), a pot(small stainless steel cooking pot will do), and depending on the alloy you use and desired hardness, either a soft cloth or a container of water with the bottom padded to drop bullets into. You need a casting ladel - either Lyman or RCBS - and a Lee bullet sizer. If Lee doesn't stock the size you need, they'll custom make it for you for+/- $25.

I suggest you try alloys of wheelweights + 2% tin for hard bullets and 1 part tin to 20 parts lead for soft ones.

This should get you started - expensive lubrisizers may be convenient, but certainly aren't necessary.

Suggest you get one of the manuals(Lyman's) that describes the casting process.

And be VERY CAREFUL not to pour lead into a wet mould.

All the best.

[Castaway]

I know you said you were set on a Saeco mould, but I'd look hard at one of Lee's 6 cavitiy models.  I started my habit with a double cavity and got frustrated early on.  If nothing else, get your Saeco and a 6 cavity and you can work both simultaneously.  The price is right and from a personal endorsement, I am quite pleased with my 6 banger in 45 Colt.  Less effort, more product and it works well.

[Jerry Lester]

Thanks fellows!

I guess I could go with the 4 cavity Saeco. Just trying to keep things slow, precise, and simple to start with.

What BRN would just pure wheel weights measure?

As far as the lube dies, I thought I 'had" to have a lube/sizing die. I don't mind spending the money to get a consistantly sized, and lubed bullet, unless I can do just as good without it?

[ron haralson]

You can get a Lee bullet sizing die for +/- $16. It will do an excellent job of sizing bullets and attaching gas checks.

Lubricizers are MUCH more expensive, and apply lubricant during the sizing process. While they are quick and convenient, they don't do any better job of sizing and attaching the gas check. There are other ways to apply lubricant too, so if cost is a factor, the lubricizer comes a ways down the list.

Just so you know, it,s not hard to cast over 100 good bullets an hour with a single cavity mold. a double cavity mold is faster, but not twice as fast. If you were shooting rifle, I doubt that a six cavity mold would produce really good accuracy - I have to sort my bullets by cavity to get the best out of my two cavity molds.

Hope this helps.                 Ron

[Dr. A]

Hey Jerry,

I went overboard several years ago and have several molds in each of several calibers.  I've got the Group Buy 120gr. 32 cal. 6 banger mold and its a hoot for hunting as well as plinking.  I believe the 32 cal. cast bullets made by Oregon Trail are similar enough to this mold to try them out.  An excellent load is available with Lil Gun as well as 800X.  I can PM you with details if you want.  The bigger bullets sized to .313 are my favorite.  I've got a 313 Keith that is right at 100gr. and it just isn't all that with game that the 120 is.  Being short on casting time last year, i bought 500 bullets for 18 bucks.  Might give them a try first. (I'm sure they are much more now.

[Jerry Lester]

I ordered a mould from Natchez, and it just came this evening.

I got the Redding/Saeco 95g SWC. It has a very wide frontal area for a 32 caliber, and seems to be made very well from what I can tell. I'm hoping to be trying it out in the next few days once I get myself a melting pot, and lube/sizer.

Loyd Smale highly recommended the 98g RCBS SWC style, and if this one doesn't perform as well as I'd like, I'm gonna get that one.

[1875SharpsShooter]

Jerry,

For everything you will ever need to know about cast bullets and how to  get started right.  Go to cb.gunloads.com  It is the castbullet authority on the web.

SS

[LAH]

I agree with SS........Creeker

[Lloyd Smale]

Ive got to agree. I would hate to turn anyone away from one of graybeards forums but for cast bullet knowlege for both beginners and experts alike its the best place on the web.

I agree with SS........Creeker

[Jerry Lester]

Thanks fellows!

By the way Lloyd,

I picked up my Single-Six 32 magnum conversion from Dave a couple days ago. I'll be posting a couple pictures of it as soon as I can empty the digital camera, and take some of it.

I've run some 85g, and 100g XTP-HP's through it, and it shoots like a dream! I was busting tangerine sized rocks at 50+ yards with it Friday just for kicks. I can't wait to bust me some critters with it!

[LAH]

I'm with Lloyd.....Wouldn't want to send anyone away. Just trying to be helpful........Creeker