Casting bullets, a cautionary tale.

[buck1032]

I was not in any way trying to say that someone should not cast. I put my casting stuff away when I moved back here in 05. I just felt that I didnt need to cast at that time.

 

I do agree with Dolomite, in that it is a fun and enjoyable way to add more time into the shooting sports. And like he said if the proper percautions are taken it can be done safely.

[Wingshooter]

Wow, I'm glad you didn't hesitate to see the Doc and caught it before it got worse. Im a newb at casting and i appreciate you sharing.

[I_Like_Pie]

Crap....I just spent the evening smelting 500 pounds of reclaimed bullets today.  

 

Even though I think I do everything right (fans, detox clothing, baths, don't bite nails, etc) - You got me paranoid man...I'll end up with an ingrown toenail or canker sore and think I am about to die of lead poisoning.

 

Glad that you are OK and improving.

[Dad03]

I always do it outside & have a fan behind me blowing it away from me. Also wear a respirator when I am around the pot (freaks out the neighbors too).  I leave the clothes I wore in the garage too just incase and always wear the same ones when casting.

 

I read to wash any exposure with high phosporus soap like the detergent you put in dishwashers.

[221 Fireball]

Dolomite,

Tell me your precaution recommendations on handling hard cast lead bullets. I don't cast, but have bought and loaded hard cast bullets for years. I always loaded, handling the cast bullets with my bare hands, but washing with soap and water after a loading session. Should I be wearing surgical gloves? I won't want to, but I guess I would.

thanks...

[Dolomite_supafly]

I will wear gloves from now on when loading or handling cast bullets.

 

I am also going to start powder coating bullets to prevent exposure when shooting. I shoot cast bullets in my AR 90% of the time and there is a lot of smoke that comes back through the gas system. You can buy an airless powder coating system for under $40 and a toaster oven for under $30.

 

When I cast I will be wearing a mask as well as setup an range hood to pull the fumes away from me and dump them 20+ feet away.

 

Dolomite

Edited February 23, 2013 by Dolomite_supafly

[mikegideon]

Well, at least we know what's wrong with Caster now :rofl:  Seriously, I wonder if there's a good plating process out there.

[Dolomite_supafly]

There is a easy and cheap process out there. The most of this is from a previous post.
 
So after a little bit of research I realized it is very easy but most importantly cheap.
The solution you use is Zep Root Killer from Home Depot for $12.98.
http://www.homedepot.com/buy/cleaning/drain-openers/zep/2-lb-root-kill-62964.html
Next I needed a small container for the solution to be put into and I picked one up for a few dollars at Dollar General.

Then I stripped the coating off some copper wire and placed it into the bottom of the container with one end hanging outside. Then I placed a metal rail across the top of the container for the bullets to hang from. I stripped some more wire, cut small 5" pieces and twisted them around the bullets to be plated. I then hung them from the top rail.

I mixed the Zep Root Killer with hot water, 1.5 cups to 1 gallon. I shook well to make sure it was disolved. I then poured it into the container until it covered all the hanging bullets.

Now to energize. I connected the NEGATIVE terminal the rail the bullets were hanging from. Then I connected the POSITIVE to the wire in the bottom of the container. Then I wait and after about 5 minutes you begin to notice the bullets turning a different color. After about 30 minutes they are done and I have added about .002" of copper to the outside of the bullets I cast. And once I size them back down the bearing surfaces get as smooth as a jacketed bullet. You need to space them about 1" apart or you will not have an even coating.

The eletrical current is supplied by an old cell phone charger, ~5.1v and 2.2A.

Here is a picture of the container:

And some bullets:

The color is actually more pink than in the picture. And the one on the left has not been sized. They feel rough but they are plated with copper.

Even if you had to buy everything here is would still be under $30.

After doing this and talked to someone who powdercoats I have decided powder coating is an easier process and will work well for what I do.

Dolomite

[mikegideon]

I'm just wondering if there's a straight chemical process. I used to use an electroless tin plating solution for copper circuit boards.

[Caster]

Well, at least we know what's wrong with Caster now :rofl: Seriously, I wonder if there's a good plating process out there.

What the hell you talkin about? Aint nuthin wrong with me with me with me.


One of lead's biggest side effects is damage to your reproductive system. Being as I have refused to procreate, I'm good on that one. I had most of the symptoms BEFORE I got big into casting. Muscle pain, moments of lethargy, mood swings and chronic fatigue. I just thought that was part of me being me! Edited February 23, 2013 by Caster