Question about casting lead ...
I'm kind of looking into muzzleloaders because of my move to MA where there is no rifle deer season. As I talked with men out at the range it seems that a lot of guys are casting their own lead bullets and M/L balls. Is that a dangerous thing to get into because of lead poisoning? [?]
When I was a kid we made our own .222 rem bullets just for fun, but that was before we knew that everything (OK, lot's of things) can kill ya!
Ken
When I was a kid we made our own .222 rem bullets just for fun, but that was before we knew that everything (OK, lot's of things) can kill ya!
Ken
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As long as you don't eat more than 2 lbs. a week, you should be okay.
Seriously, one word; ventilate. Also, so no one gets sued like McDonalds did, HOT lead and HOT coffee means REAL HOT. You might also want to wear GLASS glasses, apron, gloves, etc ad nausem. No eating, drinking, or smoking while casting. You know the drill.
Other than that, it's a lot of fun! Good luck!0 -
We cast our bullets outdoors when practicable. In the winter we cast them on a workbench by an open window with a tabletop fan set on low blowing the fumes out the window. All of p3skyking's advice is good, especially the wearing of protective gear. Permit no water to be near your casting operation as just a few drops in molten lead will cause it to violently explode from the melting pot. Wash your hands thoroughly after each casting session. Carefully done, this hobby is no more hazardous than many others. 0 -
I've accidentally poured molten lead on my bare knee. Hurts. No big deal if you don't mind a scar. Wear an apron.
Ventilation is a good idea. In the summer I keep the window above the bench open all the time. In the winter I open it whenever I flux to draw out the smoke.
If your basement is damp be careful heating the casting ladle. Even the moisture on it from the air can cause a small explosion. I found out the hard way.
"...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conf0 -
I've done alot of casting in the garage with the vehicles out, and the big door open and the small rear door also. Its perfect ventalation. Casting is very satisfying. You can get around 1000 bullets in about three hour if you can keep three four cavity molds going. Lubing and sizing takes a bit of time. Then again I have more time than money. Like the old saying "Try it you'll like it". John
I might not always tell you the truth, but I will never lie to you!0 -
Casting your own can be fun and, not counting time, economical. BUT, BE CAREFUL!!! The previous advice is great and should be followed. I would like to add that you need to be damn careful as to what you place in the melting pot. I use to go to the range and pick lead from the berms to re-use. One time I came across some chunks of lead that were about 3 inches long and about a half to 3/4 inch in diameter. They looked like a large bullet with a hollow base. It turned out that they were sub-calibre rounds for artillery. Well, I placed one in the melting pot and it melted fine. Then another and another. Then I put one in and then an explosion that emptied the 22 pound RCBS melting pot and splattering molten lead all over the patio (doors, walls, ceiling). Of course, I have a few scars from the lead hitting me. The last one had been a dud and the heat caused it to detonate. I won't do that again.[:D]
Another incident using salvaged lead happened to my cousin. He was given some power cable lead covering. It had been stored out doors. He cut it into usable lengths but some had some water trapped. Well, when he put one of the pieces with trapped water into his pot, he had one hell of an explosion as well. He was lucky in that when he put the lead in, he turned and walked away. If he had been standing there, who knows what would have happened.
We still use salvaged plumbers lead and such but we take some precautions. We cut up the pieces into smaller sizes to ensure no trapped water or ?? is present. We don't put anything in the pot if there is a question as to what it is or where it came from.
My profile signature below says it all. Good luck and be careful.
Life is Tough!It's Tougher if You're Stupid0 -
My Father 1898-1976 said when he was a kid, swallowing a pistol ball was the common treatment for constipation. It must have been dangerous because he only lived to age 78 and his Father to 86. 0 -
I do all my reloading in the second floor attic. During the winter months,using auxillary heat I do my castin there too. I was fortunate enough to find a rangs hood in real nice condition and installed above my casting station. Installed flexible tubing and vented it up through one of those "whirly bird" exhaust vents. Indeed do practice caution. I had a incredible explosion when sweat from my hand got transfered to an ingot I was adding to the pot one summer day. Have pock marks on my arms and hands as a reminder to do my sumer casting out on the deck. I went with all Lee equipment save for a Lyman 450 lubrisizer. I only wish Lee made molds smaller than 7MM for rifle. Its a gratifying experience to shoot nice groups with your home grown fodder. As before stated; try it you'll like it. nb 0 -
Many thanks. Lot's of good info and heads-up items from this great bunch of folks on GB forums! You're tops ... no we're tops![:D][:D]
Ken0 -
Many thanks. Lot's of good info and heads-up items from this great bunch of folks on GB forums! You're tops ... no we're tops![:D][:D]
Ken0 -
Ken, Short Trader has asked several questions on this topic over the past 2-3 months. I suggest you do a search on those topics by accessing the member list; there is a lot of good info there which may address some of your questions and concerns. BTW, you will only have to drive north an hour or so to escape the People's Republik of Kennedy and shoot modern firearms. 0
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