a good mold doesn't need a release agent. some 20$ piece of junk might need some help but even those don't need a release agent.
if you can't get a bullet to drop from a mold it was cut wrong or it has a burr. after a bit of use a mold builds up a patina [oxidization] that acts like a release agent all on it's own. on a steel/mehanite mold the cavity's turn blue. on brass molds they turn brown, and aluminum molds haze over. generally 4-5 heat cycles on the aluminum and brass molds is necessary.
Posts: 5002 | Location: soda springs,id | Registered: 02 April 2008
Originally posted by Lamar: a good mold doesn't need a release agent. some 20$ piece of junk might need some help but even those don't need a release agent.
if you can't get a bullet to drop from a mold it was cut wrong or it has a burr. after a bit of use a mold builds up a patina [oxidization] that acts like a release agent all on it's own. on a steel/mehanite mold the cavity's turn blue. on brass molds they turn brown, and aluminum molds haze over. generally 4-5 heat cycles on the aluminum and brass molds is necessary.
What he said.
I have close to 50 molds, maybe more, and use mold release on none of them. I tried it when I was first casting and didn't like the residue it left.
"...I advise the gun. While this gives a moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprize, and independance to the mind. Games played with the ball and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be the constant companion of your walks." Thomas Jefferson
Posts: 993 | Location: Wasilla, AK | Registered: 22 December 2002
Originally posted by Lamar: a good mold doesn't need a release agent. some 20$ piece of junk might need some help but even those don't need a release agent.
if you can't get a bullet to drop from a mold it was cut wrong or it has a burr. after a bit of use a mold builds up a patina [oxidization] that acts like a release agent all on it's own. on a steel/mehanite mold the cavity's turn blue. on brass molds they turn brown, and aluminum molds haze over. generally 4-5 heat cycles on the aluminum and brass molds is necessary.
this! although i pre heat the alum ones by placing em directly on the pot full of melted lead for a few minutes and generally the first ones drop ready to go.
Posts: 1546 | Location: south of austin texas | Registered: 25 November 2011
only mold release agent i've ever used with my old lyman molds is a wooden hammer handle.... a couple of quick smacks on the hinge pin of the mold handles and the bullets fall right out...............
I have a couple molds that like to have a butane lighter run over the cavities on occasion other than that I don't smoke the molds or use any mold release.
Posts: 35 | Location: North Carolina | Registered: 19 September 2007
