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So I'm putting together a lead casting setup now that we have obama term #2 on our backs. It's almost a for certain that they will try to do SOME KIND of gun / ammunition ban, and in that sense, I am going to start hording lead ingots for bullet MFG.

If you wouldn't mind, fellow smelters, would you take a look at my "setup" and let me know what you think?

http://www.midwayusa.com/wishList?refer ... edWishList" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

APynckel wrote:So I'm putting together a lead casting setup now that we have obama term #2 on our backs. It's almost a for certain that they will try to do SOME KIND of gun / ammunition ban, and in that sense, I am going to start hording lead ingots for bullet MFG.

If you wouldn't mind, fellow smelters, would you take a look at my "setup" and let me know what you think?

http://www.midwayusa.com/wishList?refer ... edWishList" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I would trade the RCBS furnace for a Lee 20lbs pot.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/645810 ... e-110-volt" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I use this one and really like it for the last 5 or so years. My neighbor uses the RCBS, I have used it too and seems to work just like my Lee. No problems with it so far and I have made many bullets with it. Just use clean lead and all will be good.

Plus it will save you almost $300 you can spend on lead since wheel weights have all but dried up since government restrictions. See your first line of your post..!!!

You will also need a wooden mallet for your mold sprue plates, midway sells them, but I made mine...they are kind of easy.
You also may want to think about a Lube/sizer? The lee alox and sizers work fine but may not want to use them with all bullets??

White Label Lube sells a product that is just like the Lee Alox but much cheaper, plus they sell lube sticks cheaper also for a lube/sizer. The Lyman or RCBS lube/sizers are ok...I use the RCBS and I also use the Lee system on some bullets.
The Alox and lee sizers are great to start with. Don't sweat it.

http://www.lsstuff.com/store/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Note: the Lee commercial handles will fit the Lyman 2 cavity molds. I use them on mine because they are longer and cheaper than the Lyman brand. Plus they fit my hands better.

I think that's about it.

Don2

.45 colt.

+1 for getting the Lee pot for now.

Agree the 200 gr LSWC is fincky.

You do not need to purchase a standalone bottle of the Lee Liquid Alox (LLA). The size/lube kit already comes with one.

You also don't need the "Lyman 4-Cavity Ingot Mold with Handle". Just pick up an old muffin tin from a thrift store or garage sale for a buck. You'll end up with misshapen hockey pucks that weigh about a pound and a half each.

Why are you sizing to .451 and .452 both? Why not just get a .542 sizer?

AndyC wrote:You could also get a proper lube-sizer with the savings if you go with the Lee 20lb pot over the RCBS

I've heard too many stories (on cast boolits and AR15) about the Lee's leaking from the bottom pour spout and was recommended by several members to get the RCBS. It will last forever, and not leak, plus much higher production rates possible.

So here was my order...



Plus a couple ladles from rotometals (#1 and #5)

APynckel wrote:

AndyC wrote:You could also get a proper lube-sizer with the savings if you go with the Lee 20lb pot over the RCBS

I've heard too many stories (on cast boolits and AR15) about the Lee's leaking from the bottom pour spout and was recommended by several members to get the RCBS. It will last forever, and not leak, plus much higher production rates possible.

The RCBS lead furnace is a very nice unit.
But, so is the Lee.
And I'm NOT a big Lee fan...I have a few of their items that work ok . Their pot just happens to be one.

The biggest problem that people have with ANY bottom pour pot is that they try to use it to melt wheel weights and scrap lead also.
It was not designed for that. It is used with clean lead only, like in ingots.
Plus people let their pots run dry letting crud into the valve.
Any way, leaking is mostly because of something other than lead getting stuck in the bottom valve.

I have had the Lee for right at 6 years and has never leaked or had any other problem.

But the RCBS is a very good unit, no doubt.
I can not see how production could improve over the Lee pot.

I am not trying to argue, just posting facts.
I would have bought the RCBS also, excess funds have not been my friends lately.
My Neighbor/friend uses a RCBS pot, in fact, we had a few "Bullet Pouring Weekends" at his shop where we both had our pots pouring bullets for our stock.
Side by side pouring bullets...both units were working side by side with no problems.

Don't let me change your mind...Like I said the RCBS is a fine machine too.
Just costs a lot more.


Don2

AndyC wrote:Well, you got a heck of a furnace there :)

Let us know how you make out or if you have questions :)

just where to get wheel weights. Can't find any locally :(

SRO1911 wrote:Just a tip, along with muffin pans for ingots pick up a good used cast iron pot. I like to melt my ww and other questionable scrap outside in a pot - goes back to clean lead only in the bottom pour.

Already done.

My best source of wheel weights have been the small shops. The large places like Discount Tire told me they are not allowed to sell or give any away. They have a program setup with a company who trades them out new ones and takes their old ones.
Something like that.

You may have to buy ingots from a place like Rotometals.
The guy there I think is named Dave and is very nice.

I have 2 small shops in my small town that do tire work and they save them for me. I usually give them $10 + for a 5 gallon bucket, its never full...I could NOT drag it to my truck if it was

Don't forget scrap yards...They buy them from people too, and will sell them if they can make a little profit.

Don2