Casting Bullets?

[Grizzly_A]

I was wondering how many people do their own casting of bullets? How much does it cost to start loading? Is it as simple as making fishing sinkers?

Just looking to save a few bucks(ha!) or just roll my own.

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[Hotwheelz]

I was wondering how many people do their own casting of bullets? How much does it cost to start loading? Is it as simple as making fishing sinkers?

Just looking to save a few bucks(ha!) or just roll my own.

I roll my own , you could start out witha lee 10lbs melting pot for about $52 http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=637732
Lee molds for about $20 most of the 2 cavitys are this price http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=149918
a bottle of lee luquid alux for $5 http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=466811
and a push trew sizer die { sometimes not needed I run some of my tumble lube boolits without sizing } these come with a bottle of alux for $16 http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=116429

try stoping by a local tire shop for some scrap wheel weights { sometime you can get them for free but $25 -$40 isnt bad for a full 5gal. bucket } to use you will need to melt them down remove the the metal clipps off the top and flux { flux I use is candle wax } to get the rest of the impuritys out.


With this bare minimum you can get started and run along time with out needing anything else you may also be able to find used or other suppliers that have them cheaper. You may want to upgrade your tools once you get going and relize you enjoy it.

Figure $100 with shipping to get started

 

[kodiak1]

Casting my own yes sirre bob, It is cheaper.
What would it cost to get into it?

Well Hot wheelz touched on it pretty close.

The problem is not getting started it is getting treatments for the sddiction that follows!!
This sh++t can break a person.

Ken.

 

[Grizzly_A]

Ok, so I want to get started on this. Is Lee the low, middle or high end (I'm guessing low) of bullet casting equipment? I'd rather buy something in the middle range rather than start low and upgrade later. I'd be looking at casting handgun bullets for 40S&W, 45ACP, etc.

I've got a source for lead, I've got the melting pot, dippers for making fishing sinkers, etc.

I need to get bullet lube, molds, and sizing dies, and gas checks? I didn't see gas checks in the list.

 

[Hotwheelz]

Ok, so I want to get started on this. Is Lee the low, middle or high end (I'm guessing low) of bullet casting equipment? I'd rather buy something in the middle range rather than start low and upgrade later. I'd be looking at casting handgun bullets for 40S&W, 45ACP, etc.

I've got a source for lead, I've got the melting pot, dippers for making fishing sinkers, etc.

I need to get bullet lube, molds, and sizing dies, and gas checks? I didn't see gas checks in the list.

Lee is the low end on price but not quality some guy dont like that they are made out of alum. but there mold work fine I use a couple but also have some steel molds from lyman, rcbs, and H&G. MOst of the rcbs and lyman molds go for $60-70 or so for a 2 cavity mold http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=384168 . There are also some cutom mold makers out but there prices are usually higher.

Another plus for the Lee molds is there tumble lube bullets with these you only need the lee push threw sizer and a bottle of lee luiquid alox. You can size them on a regular press that take 7/8x14 dies and the put them into a container put in a small amout of the luiquid alox shake it up until they have a good coating then place then bullet nose up on a sheet of wax paper to dry overnight and they are ready to load.

With allready having a pot and a dipper you can use that for now you may want to switch over to a bottom pour pot to speed things up but many guys still use dippers only. The next pot up from a lee is either a lyman or rcbs and they are $275- 325 or so big jump.

Now onto the luber sizer the lyman 4500 and rcbs lamII are fine sizer I have had both and they work well around $125-150 for either and about $15-20 for each sizing die and another $8 or so for the top punches. Then there is the Magama or star luber wich cost about $250 and dies cost about $30-40 much faster machine.

Gas checks I dont think are needed in either bullet your asking about I have pushed both to limits of loading data with minimal to no leading but if you want to you can bullet molds that have the gas check rebates built into them and then youll need to buy some gas checks.

There is some older use equipment that can be had for cheaper at times I tried to give you info on stuff you can buy new and seem to be readly available you may also want to check out http://castboolits.gunloads.com/index.php I have learned alot from the guys over there is alot of knowledge and some really helpful guys as well as some deals to had on casting equipment.

BE FOR WARNED THIS CAN BECOME AN ADDICTION !!!!