Casting question

[dlmeadows]

I recently go a couple of buckets full of lead from a shooting range. Most of these are factory jacketed bullets. Are factory bullets pure lead and too soft to melt down and cast alone? Would Ineed to add tin to the mix? Any help would be appreciated.

[Dolomite_supafly]

Melt them down and use them as is. I use wheel weights, which are very soft, and have no issues.

Dolomite

[dlmeadows]

That's what I use as well but I'm sure not gonna turn down free lead lol

[ttocswob]

Watch out for total metal jackets (TMJ's) I've had them to rupture in the pot and squirt molten lead randomly. Crushing with pliers doesn't help...

Otherwise, cast away!

[dlmeadows]

Ok I will keep that in mind. Thanks for the help

[Caster]

You need to do this in a covered pot. A dutch oven is ideal. You need heavy gloves and a face shield too. all it takes is a stone or something weird in there to ruin your day. Be safe!!!

[BigK]

Caster, I know nothing about casting lead, but hope to start some day. Please elaborate for the ignorant, like me. What will happen if a small rock were mixed in with the lead?

[Caster]

Water trapped in the pores of a rock flash to steam. Should the rock get trapped under the lead.....Well, I promise you that the steam WILL find a way out. We're not talking about a cherry bomb mind you but it will pop lead out. Think....Water in the oil at a fish fry.

Also, I know we all think we are SUPER vigilant but what if a stray .22LR got in there. If you're cleaning out a shooting range, they're laying around and it is within the realm of possibility. Just be careful. If it seems like you are being over cautious......remember I said you are NOT.

[dlmeadows]

well this is on a conveyor system from an indoor range, so there really isn't much of a chance at all of the lead having a live round or rocks or anything in it. Guess I should have made that a little more clear.

[Caster]

well this is on a conveyor system from an indoor range, so there really isn't much of a chance at all of the lead having a live round or rocks or anything in it. Guess I should have made that a little more clear.

That is a good thing. Still, you lose nothing by being Extra careful.

Don't forget those copper jackets you skim off are gonna bring a few bucks too!

[dlm37015]

casting season is almost on us cool evenings spent casting are great times

[Caster]

casting season is almost on us cool evenings spent casting are great times

AMEN to that!!!

[Guest Riverrat]

My son and a couple of his friends got out under the shed and casted a dishpan almost full one day. They had 3 fans on them, but were soaked with sweat when they finished.

We are using Alox to lube, but would like something else. I was given some bullets that were waxed. Got to ask what it was. We liked them better.

[dlmeadows]

Im hoping between November and Feb, I can get around 30,000 cast. that would last me for the year. I just started about 6 months ago so I have had to cast all summer long. and when you are smelting lead in 100 degree weather it SUCKS lol

[dlm37015]

yep

[RED333]

We are using Alox to lube, but would like something else. I was given some bullets that were waxed. Got to ask what it was. We liked them better.

The "wax" was most likley run in a "lube a sizer" Google that.

Do a google search for "Tumble Lubing--Made Easy & Mess-Free"

it will take you to a site that will help in making lube.

I tumble lube all my cast bullets, works well and I dont have to buy a machine to lube.

[I_Like_Pie]

Smelted about 200 pounds of lead today....Bullets picked up from the berm of my club. Yeah. I think I am gonna wait until it is cooler to cast them.

I am pretty convinced now that sawdust is as good a flux as borax. I use them when smelting, but use candlewax when casting.