November 7, 2015

Chuck said
There are bullet makers that will pour what you need. Just like Accurate molds that are based off of the original Lyman molds.
Chuck-
Moulds made for automated commercial casting machines are a bit different, all edges are rounded to help ensure the bullets drop when the mould opens. Using an old Lyman or Winchester mould and a furnace (or even a pot) is almost therapeutic and the bullets have sharp, clean edges when the mould, alloy and pour temp are right. Some bullet makers use the hand moulds but you’ll pay for their time. I started casting years ago after spending hundreds of dollars on bullets I could not use. I ordered my initial casting set up and in couple of sessions I was casting better bullets than I could buy. I also found I enjoyed the process, even though it may seem tedious to some. Now up to four furnaces, a few dozen moulds, more than a few sizing dies and a couple of lubrisizers with a variety of bullet lubes. I’ve documented a casting/loading adventure that I believe will be in the Summer 2024 Collector. I’m running low on wheelweight alloy, may need to start cruising tire shops but they mostly have zinc or steel these days.
I wish you lived a little closer, if you could spend an hour or two in my loading room during a casting session you’ll probably want to give it a try.
Mike
Not that you gentlemen don’t already know this, Just be careful. If you fellows are casting outside usually not a problem. If you cast indoors, make sure it is in a well vented area and I recommend wearing an appropriate respirator.
If you ever do a lot of casting of lead and then afterwards feel like you have the Flu but with no fever. You’ve probably given yourself lead poisoning.
I’ve run into more than one case were a doctor thought a person was developing parkinson’s disease but actually had lead poisoning.
Sincerely,
Maverick
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
November 7, 2015

Maverick said
Not that you gentlemen don’t already know this, Just be careful. If you fellows are casting outside usually not a problem. If you cast indoors, make sure it is in a well vented area and I recommend wearing an appropriate respirator.If you ever do a lot of casting of lead and then afterwards feel like you have the Flu but with no fever. You’ve probably given yourself lead poisoning.
I’ve run into more than one case were a doctor thought a person was developing parkinson’s disease but actually had lead poisoning.
Sincerely,
Maverick
Thanks, Brady. I’ve been a competitive shooter for decades and a bullet caster for over 17 years. My blood tests always include a test for lead levels and they are actually a bit below normal. The higher risk for most shooters is firing on an indoor range or one with overhead baffles that confine the airborne lead from lead styphnate primers. No food or drink is allowed in my loading/casting room. My phone only goes in there for photographs. I wash my hands immediately after I leave my loading/casting room. I have shot with competitors diagnosed with elevated lead levels in their blood. It’s serious business. I take lead poisoning very seriously.
I collect Winchesters because I enjoy studying them. I can’t study them without shooting them. In many cases I can’t shoot the guns I love without casting bullets for them. I’m very good at doing that and I’m well versed on the safety procedures. I was raised by a biology professor who likely died in part because of exposure to hazardous substances. He helped develop some of the standards and procedures we are urged to adhere to.
Casting bullets may pose a risk, but I’ve run into burning buildings and towards gunfire. Obviously I’m not as smart as my Dad was, but I’m having a great time!
Mike
PS-If any of you want to discuss casting safety procedures please feel free to PM or e-mail me.
MH
Mike,
That is good to know you take it seriously, most guys truly truly don’t. Usually due to simple ignorance on their part.
Part of my profession is that I’m an childhood Elevated Blood Lead Level investigator for the Dept. of Health and Hospitals for the north half of Louisiana.
On more than one occasion I’ve had cases where kids had high lead levels from the father, grandfather or even great-grandfather casting lead bullets and/or fishing weights around where the kids play.
God bless you for running into the burning buildings. I don’t think I could manage that for a complete stranger, don’t think you could pay me enough but we all got a little crazy in us.
Just keep that PPE on, a lot guys don’t know that a house with Vinyl siding is omitting Phosgene Gas when its burning.
Stay safe out there.
Sincerely,
Maverick
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
1 Guest(s)
