Found two .45-70 molds at Econolodge

[Bang]

Couldn't believe it. One is a 500 grain, the other smaller, both with the hollow base tools. I'm well on my way to casting for the trapdoor.

[streaker69]

If you would have stayed at a holiday in express you would have gotten an entire AR.

[bamboomaster]

Couldn't believe it. One is a 500 grain, the other smaller, both with the hollow base tools. I'm well on my way to casting for the trapdoor.

Dang! What a good find...

At the risk of repeating what you already know, he're a few "secrets" on casting those heavy bullets:

1. Flux the pot periodically
2. Keep the casting temp north of 700 degrees
3. Pre-heat the molds inside and out - using the pot surface as a starting point and then a propane torch. Once the mold is pre-heated from the pot, be sure to tag each exterior and interior surface of the mold 30-60 seconds with the torch. That also applies to the sprue-cutter and the hollow base tools.
4. You obviously know to pre-heat your dipper the same way.
5. Control the "pour" so instead of dribbling it in, you have a continuous stream entering the mold.
6. Stop pouring when you have a nice sprue no bigger than the size of a dime. No need to have the excess dribble off the mold

Unless you have a pot that holds at least 10 lbs of alloy, do not put the sprues and rejected castings back into the pot. Doing that just a few times with a smaller pot will reduce the temp to 600 degrees or less and your pour won't be anywhere as fluid as it needs to be. When you've got a good run going, keep casting to the bottom of the pot. The less alloy in the pot, the hotter it becomes, the easier the pour.

Watch for frosty whiteness on these big bullets - usually means the alloy is a little too hot. Just turn the temp down a tad and things will adjust.

If you have a pot that is heated over a gas burner, it'll keep the temperature higher and come quicker to temp.

And most importantly, HAVE FUN!

PS. Molds may have to be thoroughly degreased first. Brake cleaner and a soft bristle brush are just fine. If there's rust inside, use straight-up Tabasco sauce inside the mold cavities, spread it around with a Q-tip, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Clean out with brake cleaner and repeat as necessary. Do not oil inside cavities of molds!

[Bang]

Thanks, BBM! Gonna be a while before I get into this. Younger son has the lead pot and ladle and such.

I wrapped a few undersized bullets (receipt tape runs .002") and they shot great.

[Bang]

Well, these molds make .575 bullets. Damn. Lot more than a .458 :-(

[markshere2]

Well, these molds make .575 bullets. Damn. Lot more than a .458 :-(

WOW that's UUUUUUUUUUUge!

What rifle shoots a .575" boolit?

[Remington788]

WOW that's UUUUUUUUUUUge!

What rifle shoots a .575" boolit?

.58 caliber muzzleloaders. The 1861 Springfiled was made to shoot .58 Minie Ball

[Delkal]

You have to cast for a 45/70. For less than the price of one box of ammo you can get a mold then load for pennies a shot. I have had good luck with the Lee 405 grain flat point in a 45/70. With the large volume the aluminum mold it just takes a few pours to get it to temperature then no rejects. They also have similar molds in 320, 450 and 500grs.

This mold is only available as a 2 cavity mold. You can get one for about $20. For other calibers you should get their 6 cavity molds. They are a better design and you can really crank out the bullets.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/588...rain-flat-nose

Midsouth shooting supply is usually cheaper than Midway and is where I get most of my casting supplies. Unfortunately they are out of stock for now. They also sell some custom Lee molds.

https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.c...bullet-casting

[bamboomaster]

WOW that's UUUUUUUUUUUge!

What rifle shoots a .575" boolit?

The .577 Enfield (43 gns 3F + lubed bullet sized to .575) just loves that bullet diameter...

[abner13]

Had to size my Trapdoor bullets .461 for best results.