How often do you cast?

[dangerranger]

I sat down to load some ammo today, and when I ran out of bullits I had loaded 300 45s.I dug around under the bench to find some more only to find I was out. I got to thinkin that the last time I had cast 45s was just before christmas last year. So do most of you cast a years worth at a time? or do you cast them as you use them? Enquiring Minds Want To Know?

[Lou Graham]

I just started casting this spring.

Had to do more in July.  Not a good project when it's 90+ degrees with humidity to match

Started a couple of weeks ago on laying in a supply for next season. I figure that's a project for winter when there's hardly any shoots to go to.  I've got more than my weight in lead to make ingots, so that should get me through a season of shooting

[Carolina Lead Foot]

Lou, going by your picture and the amount you shoot, you need to double the amount of lead you have.



CLF, who just could not help it

[Hemlock Mike]

I cast about 3-4 pounds of alloy at a time.  That's about all I can stand for 

Mike

[Goatlips]

Usually once a year but I'd enjoy doing it more often.

Last casting session things were going just right, so five quarts of Snakebites dropped like rain onto my bath towel.  Don't know how many that is.  Hated to quit but it was getting dark outside and I wanted a Guinness.....

Goatlips

[Sergeant Smokepole]

I usually set up my lead pots 3 times a year and cast about 1K each time.

[Cactus Cris]

I cast for 44/40 & 36 rnd ball & 45/70 & 38 HB.  I do my 44/40 when I  get low on loaded ammo.  Usually do 2-3 hundred at a time, load them up next day.  Have 500-600 loaded at any given time.  The 36 rnd ball I do about enough for a yrs worth.  the 45/70 is done when I need them to load about 40-50.  The 38 HB is done only when I shoot the 58 36cal conversions which ain't often.   My 44 rnd ball is done by my best pard Mason Stillwell.  He do know his ball's!

[Howdy Doody]

I'll cast about 1000 at a time. Two different molds in two different calibers. It goes fast with the 6 gang molds. 

[Calamity Jane]

I try to cast a year's supply in the early winter.

I use 100% wheel weights so I do the first melt (to make ingots) in a large home-made pot so it's better to keep that pot hot once it's warmed up. From ingots, I use a Lee 10Lb and a 20Lb pots and two moulds to cast boolits. I try to cast enough for a full year (3,000 to 5,000) but that takes a few days. Then they all get lubed/sized and put in stock.

I ain't a fan of casting but it's a job what's gotta be done.

[Texas Tall]

Gee Calamity, I wish you lived next door to me doin all that castin and buildin cannons shootin black
etc I'm sure you could do a few extra fer me if I kept the drinks a commin over the fence.
Yeah, could work out real good.
Regards..........Texas Tall.

[Matthew Duncan]

Melt down wheel weights late fall.

Cast bullets during the winter inside.  Size and lube.  Got me a years worth from 5 gallon bucket half full.

[Silver Creek Slim]

Depends on how much WW's I have melted into ingots. I have to cast some PRS boolits soon 'cuz I'z out, so I'll use the .44WCF until then. 

Slim

[dangerranger]

Well I bought some to get me through. 500 should get me through till Dec. I got a lighter weight to try and if I like them Ill get the mould.DR.

[Arcey]

Lookin' like the dreaded 'w' word is done fer the day 'less the cell rings.

We're on the edge of Wilma 'ere in duh beach.  After ah good while of heat 'n humidity, it's cool, breezy 'n spittin' rain.  I LOVE it!

Got me a coffee can full ah sprues.  Lead already alloyed.  Thinkin' I'm gonna go out on the back porch, set up 'n cast me a few hunnert rifle boolets this very affernoon. 'N if I do, at the rate I'm shootin' 'em, that oughtta last me thru Roundup '06.......

[blue drifter]

I just started casting this spring.

Had to do more in July.  Not a good project when it's 90+ degrees with humidity to match

Started a couple of weeks ago on laying in a supply for next season. I figure that's a project for winter when there's hardly any shoots to go to.  I've got more than my weight in lead to make ingots, so that should get me through a season of shooting

wear dose everybody get the lead, i'm just looken for some ideas.Ichecked with A few tire shops and was told
we got A guy  we give it to, any other ideas sure would help

[Arcey]

Ya jist gottah keep scroungin', Drifter.

Years ago, I bought me one ah them wheel weight tools 'n grabbed me a bucket.  Went ta junk yards 'n pulled 'em off fer next ta nuttin'.  When the bucket got heavy, I left........

[Mustang Gregg]

I am gonna start the process tonight in the back driveway.
I have about 500# to 600# of raw tire wts to melt into 1# ingots.
That will take 'most all evenin' turkey fryer burner.  I use a homemade cauldron on it.

An' then I'll use any spare time this winter to make bullets on top o' the weldin' bench.

Mustang Gregg

[dangerranger]

Drifter I get mine from the garage where I work. A couple times a month I pick up a 5 gal bucket full and leave a new bucket. every so often I also leave a six pack of cold beverages [diet pepsi is there drink of choice].I also get tin this way. the plumbers save the end pieces of lead free solder[95% pure tin.] Im starting to build up more lead than I can use tho.

[Mason Stillwell]

Well it is kinda nice to slow down a  bit. I was casting like a long tailed cat in a room full of rockin chairs for the past 2 years.

Things have SLOWED down so now I am makin my own and makin shot with my new shot maker. Then enjoying the fifthwheel and camping.

I only have the 7 1/2  drippers but someday I'll get some heaver ones. This shotmaker is a lot of fun but BOY HOWDY it uses up lead fast.

I made a 5 gallon bucket half full. You think a 5 gallon bucket of 7 & 1/2 shot aint heavy? Had to have it moved for me.

Mason (whats in the casting season here in the desert) Stillwell

[dangerranger]

how does your shot maker work? I thought that you had to have a thirty ft tower to drop your shot but evedently thos days are over.