Shiloh Rifle Forums

I'm getting multiple prominant longitudinal seam lines on bullets from a BACO 45 cal money bullet mould. What is the best method to restore the mould to original condition?

Check the alignment pins. I had a couple moulds from Brooks and one from BA that gave me this problem. I found the pins where not the same hight above the block face and it held the blocks from completely closing. I used my loading press and adjust the pins. This cleared up the problem.

Good morning;

Before you blame the mould, look carefully at your technique. You can also get these marks if you are hitting the mould to bump loose a sticky bullet. If the blocks are too close together when you hit the handles (that's where you're hitting, right?) the half not holding the bullet can bump into the other side and mark the bullet.

The best solution is not to hit the mould at all. I assume you are using a stick on the mould. Tip the stuck bullet out with your thumb. If you have good gloves and do it quickly, you won't ever feel the heat.

Y'all be good.
horsefly

horsefly wrote: ↑Wed Apr 10, 2019 8:52 am Good morning;

Before you blame the mould, look carefully at your technique. You can also get these marks if you are hitting the mould to bump loose a sticky bullet. If the blocks are too close together when you hit the handles (that's where you're hitting, right?) the half not holding the bullet can bump into the other side and mark the bullet.

The best solution is not to hit the mould at all. I assume you are using a stick on the mould. Tip the stuck bullet out with your thumb. If you have good gloves and do it quickly, you won't ever feel the heat.

Y'all be good.
horsefly

Horsefly, I'm thinking this is probably what is happening and the reason for multiple longitudinal lines on the bullet. The bullets don't want to drop out easily.

Thanks,
Phil

I had a Lyman do that after many casting sessions. Where the pins go into for alignment was worn.

I pushed out the pins and put them on the opposite side..... Same as new alignment holes.

Sometimes just pushing the pins out a little more will also work. Run a stone over the holes to make sure there's not a burr.

I should have mentioned; close the mould, leave the sprue p[late open and look up at a light to see if you ess a line of light coming through. If you do there is a pin to high above the block halve holding the blocks apart. This will also cause a bullet to stick.
Also if your using a high antimony mix in the alloy let the bullet cool a little longer before opening the blocks.

Be SURE there's no crud on the mould half's or crud build-up around the pins.
Drive the pins out a bit more.
Gary

I have confirmed that the multiple lines are caused by tapping the handles too vigorously to release the bullet. It takes many light taps to release the bullet from the mould. I tried to gently pry the bullet out with a small screw driver - that doesn't work. I've been using the mould for 3 years, perhaps the surfaces aren't as smooth as they once were making release more difficult.

Thanks for the replies.

How do you open the mold? Try pushing down on the right front corner at the bottom of the mold when you open it. If you use a glove hold the bottom of the mold together when you open it.

PhilRich wrote: ↑Fri Apr 12, 2019 3:46 pm I have confirmed that the multiple lines are caused by tapping the handles too vigorously to release the bullet. It takes many light taps to release the bullet from the mould. I tried to gently pry the bullet out with a small screw driver - that doesn't work. I've been using the mould for 3 years, perhaps the surfaces aren't as smooth as they once were making release more difficult.

Thanks for the replies.

Do you smoke the mold so the bullet releases easier??

It sounds like it needs a light lapping.

With the bullet in the mold, try tapping the handles nut only with your hickory stick - light tap. Will cause a vibration of the mold halves and with a 'tough' mold, several additional taps on the end of the handles will drop the stuck bullet

Good morning, PhilRich;

I'm happy that we were able to find what was causing your marks, but that is not really your problem. The real problem is that the block is not turning loose of the bullet. Is it the same side every time? You have gotten some good advice to clean the blocks well but carefully. I would look to see if that block is dirty or if the edge is banged some way. Soft iron moulds are easy to hurt. Use a magnifying glass and look carefully.

You also got some good advice about cleaning and about smoking the mould. If the blocks are clean, that helps. If there are divots or rough spots on the block, that won't help.

If there are deposits of some kind, clean carefully with a solvent and WOODEN implements like tooth picks or sticks from those good little cleaners with cotton on the end of a wooden stick. If you find one or more little divots of any sort in the edge of the cavity, come on back ... hopefully with some good close up photos.

Part of your trouble is that you are using that _)(*&^$%# stick to beat on the mould. Open the sprue with your hand (good leather glove) and then tap smartly once on the hinge with your stick if it makes you feel better. That should jar everything loose. You may also want to hold the bottom of the blocks when you open (as someone already suggested). If you need to remove the bullet, press the back of your index finger against the nose of the bullet and tip the base out with your thumb. That may take you some practice, but it really is a good way to do it.

Ideally, a tap on the hinge after you open the sprue by hand should drop the bullet. I know everybody does it, but I really don't like the idea of beating on the handles to get a bullet out. There are kinder and gentler ways.

Y'all be good;
horsefly

I appreciate all of the "fatherly" advise and suggestions. Next week i will more closely examine the mould as to it's condition, clean it and further experiment with casting and bullet dropping technique.

I have found what works best for me to release a bullet from the mould .After cutting the sprue ,press the lower left rear corner down on your bench and put pressure on the upper right front corner with a piece of wood (mould mallet )and at the same time open the handles and the bullet will rotate slightly and fall out .This is similar to what Paul Jones recommends .