HELLO FROM OHIO
- Thread starter Mitty38
- Start date
Kevin Stenberg
Well-Known Member
Mitty You took the first step in the learning process. Where to find bullet material. Step #2 How to melt it
Mitty38
Well-Known Member
As far as making ingots it has been pretty easy. As I am a metallurgical lab technician (say that 3 times fast), for a recyclable based aluminum alloy manufacturer.
I just sneak it into work, in my lunch box a pound or 3 at a time. Then during my break, melt it down in one of our lead contaminated sample crucibles, with some hydrocarbon flux, then skim and pour sample pucks. Then test the BHN (It can vary between 7 and 14 depending on the mix I dig up that day), label and take home.
No major bullet casting and alloying yet, I am currently getting set up for that at home.
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CZ93X62
Official forum enigma
Welcome to the addiction. I am kind of a new guy, too--I have only been casting since 1981. 
I did start reloading about the same time Ben did, 1969 or thereabouts. Shotshells to hunt with, and I immediately noted an uptick in load performance from the "Dove & Quail" loads Dad and I had used previously.
I am not being facetious about this--I still learn new things every time I sit down to cast bullets or reload ammunition. last night I learned that my "reloading reflexes" are indeed quite perishable, and it took about a half hour of handling 22-250 brass to get my loading rhythm back properly.
I did start reloading about the same time Ben did, 1969 or thereabouts. Shotshells to hunt with, and I immediately noted an uptick in load performance from the "Dove & Quail" loads Dad and I had used previously. I am not being facetious about this--I still learn new things every time I sit down to cast bullets or reload ammunition. last night I learned that my "reloading reflexes" are indeed quite perishable, and it took about a half hour of handling 22-250 brass to get my loading rhythm back properly.
Hello and welcome from the mnts of Virginia. Bunch of great guys here.
Once you get the hang of casting and it becomes second nature,the easier it gets. Like a big ole rock rolling down hill..... might take a little,may take a lot,to get it started but.... holy moly,look at it picking up speed,haha.
Once you get the hang of casting and it becomes second nature,the easier it gets. Like a big ole rock rolling down hill..... might take a little,may take a lot,to get it started but.... holy moly,look at it picking up speed,haha.
Mitty38
Well-Known Member
I am kinda chomping at the bit at this stage. Got a few things and getting ready to run, when I probably should be walking.
I now have an electric pot.Some scrap and ingot of various hardness, a 38 special wad-cutter mold. Just trying to find me a small dedicated sturdy table, or work stand. Looking to get a sizer system of some kind, a thermometer, and a .30 caliber mold. Also a hardness tester, for the house.
I can not keep bringing my scrap lead into work to melt. And never would be "allowed" to be casting bullets there. They turn their back on a little, but making a habit could definitely cause me problems.
Casting and alloying is as much an art as it is a science. I hope to learn this art.
It is nice to know I have a few good people to help guide me out of the swamp, and point me in the right direction, when get lost.
Do this!
One on one will make it much easier to learn and understand.
Mitty38
Well-Known Member
Dogs name is Rocco no special reason, we just went thru a dog name list then picked a name we all liked, that nobody else around was using. Traded a Hi Point .45 carbine, for him and a .410 Rossi youth.
May just have to do that some time. I learn by watching and doing best.
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fiver
Well-Known Member
take him up on it Emmett.
Cherokee can cast [he can shoot too] and it's a good chance at learning the little nuances that are hard to type.
you can see the suck and the color change and the little nuances of color on the bullets.
all of those make a big difference between meh good nuff and real nice bullets,,, it doesn't take much more effort to go from the first to the second.
Cherokee can cast [he can shoot too] and it's a good chance at learning the little nuances that are hard to type.
you can see the suck and the color change and the little nuances of color on the bullets.
all of those make a big difference between meh good nuff and real nice bullets,,, it doesn't take much more effort to go from the first to the second.