What bullet molds

[BobHarget]

First thing make sure you "smoke" the mold. I find a candle works well.

I was under the impression that candle smoke should not be used because it is too greasy, a match or spill is better.

We use an RCBS electric pot at the club and melt between 15 & 20lb of scrap range lead at a time and we churn out about 1000 - 1500 bullets and balls per session, including the Webley .455 hollow base for the historic guns.
It is like a production line, 5 moulds, 1 person filling and one tapping, keeping the moulds in strict rotation to maintain temperature.
The other requirement which is more important than temperature control is safety i.e. good ventilation (we use an old range ventilation fan and duct) eye protection and heat proof gauntlets.
Remember, one drop of water in the molten lead and it can redecorate the room and you.
As for small imperfections in the finished items I have not noticed any major problems with accuracy I'm still a bad shot but no worse than I was with factory swaged lead

[Mousemann]

I've been hedging my bets and wearing one of those face-masks. Is this necessary (I'm outdoors, but can still get in the way of the fumes)?

[BobHarget]

I've been hedging my bets and wearing one of those face-masks. Is this necessary (I'm outdoors, but can still get in the way of the fumes)?

It is always worth taking precautions, even with a fan that is almost sucking the lead out of the pot we wear masks (designed for fumes not dust). It is the lead oxide which is produced during the melting process and when impurities are removed by fluxing that is the main problem.
Despite all the problems and sweat, casting is a great pastime.
Have a look at this forum:
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/index.php?

I know it's a US site but these guys know what they are talking about.