mould fix

[KEN S]

For those of us that cast our own Spencer bullets, I have a fix for a stubborn mould.
    I use a Lyman iron, new 350 RNFP mould.  From the first, it was hard to cast.  the bullet would stick in the mould and much pounding on the handle would be needed to release it. And casting was a 50% thing.  half would not fill out the top band. Yeah, I put tin in the mix, and tried pure lead too, nothing worked.

   First,  I put an old bullet in the mould, and closed it.  CAREFULLY, I drilled a hold in the top of the bullet and then put some valve grinding compound on the bullet.  I  used a star drive in my cordless drill to spin the bullet as I gently closed the mould. no need to turn it very fast. easy does it.
    It became shiny and smooth inside.  I then did the same with a new bullet and some  white polishing compound. (hardware store item) and it really came out looking like a mirror.   The bullets now just Fall Out.  no need to hit the handle.  And they don't deform because they come out smooth and easy.
    I find that the bottom pour will not work, and that using the ladle, SLOWLY turning it,  fills out the mould better.

        Just a trick for those of us in New England that have been Snowed In All Winter!      Ken