Joined
·
16,415 Posts
I just got finished casting some 175gr TC 40cal bullets using my 2 new LEE 6-C molds. Since the bullets and molds are still hot (and it feels good to finally sit down), I am starting this thread. In a little while I will go take a picture to show you guys.
Since it is not looking to good for the Carbine match tomorrow, I decided to cast some 40cal bullets to feed my new XD-40 Tactical. Started a little after 6 PM and finished a little before 10 PM with a 30 minute break for supper. I ran 2 pots at about 19# each. My RCBS Pro-Melt pot will hold 22# and I started with it almost overflowing.....
Where I normally cast using 75-85% WWs and 25-15% Linotype, tonight I cast with 18# of WWs and 1# of 50/50 solder. At first the bullets were not filling out very well, but this was due to the mold reaching temperature and burning off some oils. Once they were "seasoned" both molds cast great. It has been MANY years since I have run 2 gang molds at the same time. MAN, there is no time to rest..... But those two 6-cavity molds do crank out the bullets.
OK, let me go check on the bullets and molds................................. And do some weighing and calculations.
And we now have this....................
![]()
35# 6oz of bullets..... Not quite as much as I thought. After weighing a sample of 12 bullets, I came up with this.....
Low - 177.2gr
High - 179.0gr
Avg. - 177.9gr
Therefore..... 35# 6oz total and 177.9gr each equals about 1392 bullets. That ought to keep me in 40 S&W ammo for a "few weeks"....
![]()
A close up of the 175gr TC 40cal bullets............ Still a little warm.....
Hey Neck, these bullets were air cooled, not dropped in cold water. Some of the first bullets got a little frosty, then I started cooling the molds after each pour. Thus...... SHINEY BULLETS.....
On another subject..... bubba-t and I are working on a table project for Magnolia and MSGO. 2 table for bullet casting and sizing. Once completed and delivered, we MSGO bullet casters (and others) can plan a day at the range to share notes. We can also do some lead smelting.
Well I guess my next step is to setup the Star lube/sizer to make these bullets .401" in diameter and add some pretty blue lube to them.....
.
Since it is not looking to good for the Carbine match tomorrow, I decided to cast some 40cal bullets to feed my new XD-40 Tactical. Started a little after 6 PM and finished a little before 10 PM with a 30 minute break for supper. I ran 2 pots at about 19# each. My RCBS Pro-Melt pot will hold 22# and I started with it almost overflowing.....
Where I normally cast using 75-85% WWs and 25-15% Linotype, tonight I cast with 18# of WWs and 1# of 50/50 solder. At first the bullets were not filling out very well, but this was due to the mold reaching temperature and burning off some oils. Once they were "seasoned" both molds cast great. It has been MANY years since I have run 2 gang molds at the same time. MAN, there is no time to rest..... But those two 6-cavity molds do crank out the bullets.
OK, let me go check on the bullets and molds................................. And do some weighing and calculations.
And we now have this....................
35# 6oz of bullets..... Not quite as much as I thought. After weighing a sample of 12 bullets, I came up with this.....
Low - 177.2gr
High - 179.0gr
Avg. - 177.9gr
Therefore..... 35# 6oz total and 177.9gr each equals about 1392 bullets. That ought to keep me in 40 S&W ammo for a "few weeks"....
A close up of the 175gr TC 40cal bullets............ Still a little warm.....
Hey Neck, these bullets were air cooled, not dropped in cold water. Some of the first bullets got a little frosty, then I started cooling the molds after each pour. Thus...... SHINEY BULLETS.....
On another subject..... bubba-t and I are working on a table project for Magnolia and MSGO. 2 table for bullet casting and sizing. Once completed and delivered, we MSGO bullet casters (and others) can plan a day at the range to share notes. We can also do some lead smelting.
Well I guess my next step is to setup the Star lube/sizer to make these bullets .401" in diameter and add some pretty blue lube to them.....
.
