Anyone make their own lead balls?


Dakota

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Be sure to study up on how to handle lead safely. The stuff can make you and your family sick or kill you. I had fun for years casting bullets for my handguns mostly, but for my muzzleloaders and black powder silhoutte rifle too. It was especially productive during those long Vermont winters when there was little else to do. But then I shot 50,000 rounds a year too. Make friends with a plumber or tire warehouse guy (most wheel weights are aluminum now though).

Mark

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But then I shot 50,000 rounds a year too.

A 1,000 rounds a week...I'd like to hear how you're casting, lubing, the time involved and paying for blackpowder/smokeless powder, brass, primers, caps, flints and working. I can use up a couple days just getting 100 rounds ready to shoot thru the Sharps for 1 day on the weekend...not counting anything else.

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Mostly .38 handgun bullets. I had help from my nephews and their friends. (you'd be surprised how hard they worked, I gave them their first rifles and shotguns and unlimited access to the ranges.) No sizing and tumbled them in liquid Alox. I had 5 gallon buckets of them (the guy that ran a chain of tire stores gave me wheel weights). They were shot at plates and pins. I was an accomplished shot with a revolver for a few years. The cast bullets for the 45-70 Remington Rolling Block were a different story. Now I buy 9's and 22's and load 45's. I spend enough time at the archery range that I shoot about 300 rounds a week now at best. Yes I make alot of money if you're wondering. I had the means and disposition to mentor many people at a time when they still looked up to you and were grateful.

Mark

Edited by m gardner
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I too have done a bit of casting lead bullets, mostly round ball and a maxi ball. All I can say is do it with a whole lot of ventilation cause even the fumes are toxic. Be especially careful when fluxing the lead too as that can be very dangerous. Wear a very heavy leather apron and the thickest gloves you can find as molten lead will burn you in a big way.

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