Lead balls with range lead

[loiner1965]

i never smoke them either but try both ways and see how you get on....for good casts you need to keep the mold hot so good idea to have a hot plate handy to rest mold on......different views on this too

[bill]

I rest my mould on the top of the pot, keeps it nice and hot.

[harricook]

Clean it with brake cleaner and pre heat it.
Do this by dipping a corner of the mould in the molten lead.
It needs to be well warmed up before use.
I am not a fan of smoking a mould with a candle as I think waxy deposits can form in the cavities.
I cant ever remember smoking a mould in the past 20 years or so.
Getting it hot is the key!
HTH
Tony

I'm the same as Tony

Get it warm & you will cast out from it useable ball/bullet from the first pour.

I dont smoke my molds either

Cheers

Roy
.

[tim56]

I do tend to "smoke my molds" but too be honest iv never tried casting without so i may well be wasting my time. As said though it is important to get the mold nicely hot before use. Tim

[davederrick]

I do tend to "smoke my molds" but too be honest iv never tried casting without so i may well be wasting my time. As said though it is important to get the mold nicely hot before use. Tim

Ditto. I was told the carbon deposited on the mold helped somehow, might be unneeded.

[grantb]

OK, it sounds like I need to first clean the mould and then pre-heat it. Today I purchased a .455 mould to feed my collection of Canadian WWI service revolvers. Next I need a melting pot. For years I have been saving spent airgun pellets and have several pounds. I figure the soft lead will make good projectiles for the Ruger Old Army and Webleys.