Do you or don't you cast your own bullets?

[Dusty Drifter]

I started reloading a couple of years ago but haven't done any bullet casting. Watched one of Bottom Dealing Mike's videos about casting not long ago and started thinking I would like to get into it. It just depends on finding a source of free/cheap lead. I checked with one of the local tire shops and he said he couldn't let me have the used wheel weights since he already has a contract with someone to dispose of them. I haven't had the chance to check with any of the other tire shops around yet but hopefully I can talk one of them out of some lead.

DD

[Trailrider]

I used to cast a lot. When I got involved with CAS, and was shooting a lot, my time just wouldn't permit me to cast a lot of bullets for .44 and .45 caliber guns. I started buying from a commercial caster. I mainly cast bullets for odd calibers that aren't available commercially, such as .56-56 Spencer (.535-.538" dia.), 11.15 x 43R (.446"), .408" for .40-65 WCF, etc.

[ndnchf]

I've been casting for 25+ years and usually cast my own.  I've collected an assortment of moulds over the years.  But that being said, there are still times that I don't have a needed mould, so I'll order some bullets from BACO or other sources.  I play around with a lot of odd and uncommon cartridges.  Finding components off the shelf is a rare thing.  But I enjoy the challenge of it and the satisfaction of bringing a piece of history back to life and having it shoot as well as designed.

[dangerranger]

I started reloading a couple of years ago but haven't done any bullet casting. Watched one of Bottom Dealing Mike's videos about casting not long ago and started thinking I would like to get into it. It just depends on finding a source of free/cheap lead. I checked with one of the local tire shops and he said he couldn't let me have the used wheel weights since he already has a contract with someone to dispose of them. I haven't had the chance to check with any of the other tire shops around yet but hopefully I can talk one of them out of some lead.

DD

Check with wrecking yards and buss garages also. Ive also found that Beer is sometimes the best motivator! A case of beer for a bucket of lead = a happy shooter! DR

[Navy Six]

When I first started Cowboy shooting I knew I wanted to use Black Powder as I am history/authentic oriented. Doing research on the subject lead me to believe I needed soft lead bullets with a specific lubricant. This combination was not available commercially at the time so I was forced into casting. This opened up a whole new world for me as I could realistically solve odd/unique firearm reloading requirements. I really enjoy casting now and the money I save is significant. At present time I cast for:
1) 38 Long Colt hollow base--for 51 Navy conversions with unlined barrels
2) 38/357
3) 38-40
4) 41 Mag.--yes, I shoot them with Black Powder
5) 44/40
6) 45 Colt
7) 375 round ball--c&b pistols
380 conical for c&b pistol
9) 454 round ball--c&b pistol
10) 454 conical for c&b pistol
11) 38/55
12) 45/70
I mention this list only to illustrate that i could NOT afford to buy all these bullets. I spend some time tracking down lead and a lot of time casting it, but at any one time I have a minimum of 25,000+ lead bullets ready to load, so I can shoot as much as i like.
Best To you Guys   Navy Six

[Montana Slim]

Everything but "jacked" rifle rounds and .22s.

Slim

[pakm]

I"m been casting (this time) for about the last 10 years.  I've got molds for 7.62x25 7.63x39, 7.62x54R, 308, 303, 8mm, 205gr. .330. Webley .360 it suppose to be 200gr. but it pours at 215 gr.(.38 special)(YES, they shoot a little high with the 215 gr. bullet) 32, 38-40, 44-40, .44 special, most of the .45's revolver and auto and trapdoor.. and 360gr  for the 56-50, 460 and 500gr for the 50-70 sharps.  plus 9mm and .38 special. plus a few others.  and no I couldn't aford to buy these from other dealers and finding some of these bullets would be a bitch!!! but i'm into cowboy shooting now and I need .44-40(rifle), .44 special, 38-40 and .38 special the rest revolver . I use 6 holers mostly and a few 5 holers. for the big bullets only 2 holders  Lee makes ok, molds but I"ve brought a few Accurate molds and they are the best.(when I can afford them) I've used up two lee pots so far(the 20# ones) and getting started on the third one.  on the last one the bottom spout fell out of the pot,,, with about 18 lbs of hot lead in it. I didn't think I could stilll move that fast! Lee sent me another pot and down spout and they are in and ready to go,(not today, I pour out side and it go up to 41 degrees today.) should be better Thursday.
Dirty MacPill

[dusty texian]

Cast these yesterday ,soft lead,came out of the Winchester 38wcf mould @0.401 and weigh 181 gr. Try to cast original bullet's for all of my original gun's. I have found the original bullet's work best for me,,,,,,,,,Dusty

[pistol1911]

I cast 44/40 bullets. I have a cheap source for 45 acp bullets. If this drys up I will cast them.I don't understand the fear of elemental lead.It is not that toxic. Lead salts are something else.

[St8LineLeatherSmith]

Just .451 round balls for my percussion revolvers

[Cholla Hill Tirador]

  I've long since moved away from the inferiority of jacketed handgun bullets. 

 

  The only thing I DON'T use cast bullets in is centerfire hunting rifles.