Is best to turn the mold over to drop the bullets or to just cut the sprue and open the mold and drop them nose first? Some of my bullets have a cut across the nose and down the side. I think they must be hitting the mold when they fall out. It only happens with this one mold.
It's possible that the fall from the cavities is causing the "cuts," but I think the problem may be due to casting with a mold that's not up to working temperature and/or one with the cavities unsmoked. Also, bullets should almost fall of their own weight from the mold or with a slight tap on the [center of the] handles. Try flipping the mold over to drop the CB's: If they're not scored, you know what the problem was.
Posts: 480 | Location: N.Y. | Registered: 09 January 2003
quote:Originally posted by JCCD: Is best to turn the mold over to drop the bullets or to just cut the sprue and open the mold and drop them nose first? Some of my bullets have a cut across the nose and down the side. I think they must be hitting the mold when they fall out. It only happens with this one mold.
JCCD is this a Lee mold? Their notorious for loose fitting of the blocks and handle and a side will hold the bullet-- and at times imprinting the slug with the cavitiy outline when forced to drop, sorta a 'climbing' over the slug surface. Tighten the nut between the handle forks just to a small amount of free play. And lapping the cavity with a bullet might help remove that burr holding the slug. An eraser run on those sharp edges also works-- just use with care. Lapping instructions are available if needed.
Posts: 1529 | Location: Central Wisconsin | Registered: 01 March 2001
It is an RCBS 255-SWC. I smoke the molds, but maybe not enough. I do have to pound on the handles a good bit to get the bullets to release. I cast them at 750 to 775 degrees and drop them in a bucket of water. About 30 out of 200 bullets will have this cut and the rest will be fine. It is a sharp nick. I think I will set up two buckets and drop some with the mold upside down and the others right side up to see if they are hitting the mold one way or the other. Thanks for the suggestions.
I ALWAYS DROP MY CAST BULLETS OUT OF THE MOLD ONTO AN INCLINED POP FLAT. SEEMS THAT THE CARDBOARD HAS JUST ENOUGH CUSHION AND BY THE TIME TIME THEYVE ROLLED DOWN IT THEY ARE ALWAYS IN GOOD SHAPE. TRY THAT SEE WHAT HAPPENS.
I always drop my bullets directly in to a 5 gallon bucket of water with about 2 inches of rags at the bottom, just to make sure I don't deform the bullets. Never had a problem.
Good luck,
HBL
Posts: 135 | Location: San Antonio, Tx | Registered: 18 February 2003
