Page 221 - The Lost Ways

Casting Bullets

Making cast bullets is simple in theory. The lead must be melted and poured into
appropriately sized molds for the caliber in question. However, lead is a toxic substance
and must be handled and prepared carefully. With proper precautions, this can be
performed safely. There are three essential pieces of equipment needed to cast bullets:

❖ Bullet mold
❖ Lead melting pot
❖ Ladle

Other equipment to have on hand includes a respirator, work gloves, and an old metal
spoon.

The Bullet Mold

It is paramount to research which bullet profile will work best in the firearm in question
before investing in a mold. This can most easily be accomplished by the shooter
purchasing factory ammunition with a lead projectile of a similar profile and trying it out
in the firearm beforehand.

After determining which rounds work well, the goal will be to attempt to reproduce that
load; the first step toward that goal will be to produce the bullet in question with the
appropriately sized mold.

(Two bullet molds. The single cavity mold is open and empty. The double cavity mold is
closed and contains two bullets. Photo Credits: Thewellman)

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