Casting Your Own Bullets

[USCGME2]

Anyone here cast their own bullets? How hard is it and what do you need beyond a kiln and some casts? Is it even possible to jacket bullets without major manufacturing equipment?

[kutkota]

Don't know but want to.

[swamprat1]

Timely thread. I've been doing some reading on this myself. If CMama or the mods do not mind I found an excellent forum on this topic.(Please remove if this is not allowed)
castboolits.gunloads.com/forum.php?s=58b5c4ddaac1f1515f6045b8e08248b9

There is also a Cast Bullet Association, though I have not looked into that much at this point.

Seems like it would be an enjoyable pursuit. I just have to start collecting bullet molds and cast pots and the like. Need to invest in some reloading equipment as well.
I may start trying to pick up a little here and there, just a couple simple Lee loaders. I don't shoot enough to need all the fancy progressive presses and such.

[Redneckidokie]

It is not hard. All you need are some simple tools.
Lead Pot
Bullet molds for each caliber.
Bullet sizer and lube machine.
Gas checks for higher velocity rounds.
Alloy hardness gage.
Ingot mold (optional)
Dipper if you don't get a bottom drop lead pot.
High temp thermometer.
(A ventilator or open area is required)

I got all that for around 400 two years ago. Lyman makes most of it in kits.
Might be hard to find right now?
Hope I didn't forget anything. There are some good manuals available.

Gather all the lead you can find now even if you plan on casting later.
Have fun.

[USCGME2]

Started reading on this last night. What is antimony? Also, it seems no one talks about jacketed bullets so Im assuming this is a high tech very specialized procedure? I actually have a few molds, a bullet lube press, and a bunch of gas checks. I even have the kiln and a dipper (my dad did some casting many years ago). Can you cast for 5.56mm? Seems like an awful lot of pressure when you break the 2000 fps mark?

[mud]

Midwayusa has all you need and a knowledgable staff. I do not work for them only spoken. All i learned checked out by other sources

[Deleted]

redNokie has it down pretty much. I have cast my own 45acp and 38 sp. Still have alot of the 38 sp. gas check rds to load up. If you really want to tailor a load for your guns this is a step you will want to do. You can guild, (jacket) but that I have no experience with.

[stmtrn]

Cast bullets for a gas operated weapon is a last resort. Even with a gas check the will shave some lead off. After a while it will plug the gas tube. As far as jacketing a bullet, it can be done at home but it is a long drawn out process that will require some different forming dies. I shoot lead if most of my weapons with great results. I use strait wheel weights that get a good hardness without having to add tin to the mix. If your going to pour for black powder that requires a almost pure lead for a soft bullet. I have found that cast iron moulds give the best results and will last the longest with a little care.

[lonewufcry]

I have been casting for a little while, but I have never jacketed. I was told it is a long and drawn out process. I have not had any issues and its fairly simple to do. I actually use the lead from the tire shops (for balancing tires) to cast with. A friend of mine has been casting for several yeas got me started and we cast his black powder balls as well. What has been mentioned here by everyone is spot on.

[karatediver]

I do cast for my 38 special rounds. It works good and is relatively inexpensive. It is fun also to cast the bullets, reload the rounds, and then fire them off. Really old school. I was fortunate to be able to trade the local gun shop for a lubricizer they had on the shelf for over 20 years for a couple of slow moving vehicle emblems they needed for their tractor. It is time consuming but a cheap way to go. I've never cast rounds that needed a gas check so I don't have much experience with that.

[Cwi555]

The process for jacketed bullets is not that 'long and drawn out'.
www.corbins.com/jackets.htm#rfjm
www.corbins.com/jackets.htm
www.corbins.com/presses.htm

Understand, commercial bullets for reloading will be cheaper, and easier. Right up until the time they are taxed. Larger machinery, but a very similar process also makes the casing itself.

If you have the means, the ability to make your own jacketed bullets is a must for a prepper/survivalist in my opinion.

[USCGME2]

Thanks CWI. Ill read thru these tonite.

[hunter63]

Pouring you own ready rolls is a fun and rewarding hobby.....and keeps cost down.

Never tried to jacket any thing, yet, but if you keep speeds down to 1200 fps and under, not really necessary.
I start gas checking (done in th sizing operation) on the .357's that generally run in the 1300fps plus range....up to about 2000 fps.

Anything over that leading of the rifling starts being a problem.

Look up paper wrapping bullets, for faster speeds.

Wheel weights are harder than pure lead, so lend themselves to the higher speeds.

Pure lead is for muzzleloader balls, bullets, and such.

I presort the wheel weights, by doing a (scratch test), and it will tell you what is lead, what is alloy, and what is Fe (iron), or several other mixes.........

Your melt will start looking and feeling "mushy"if your mix has too many impurities and alloys in it.

I do wear rubber gloves when sorting, and melt in a well ventilated area....lead kinda a nasty thing to deal with.

melt the wheel weights, skim off dross and metal clips, dirt, flux with bees wax,(thumb nail size piece) and burn off the impurities.

I use a Lee bottom pour pot, but am tring to find a larger cast iron pot for bulk cleaning of the lead.