This article written by Karl Bosselmann, appeared in the Mar/Apr 2000, #144 issue of the Fouling Shot.
Regrettably many modern-day shooters and hunters don’t realize that optimum-quality cast bullets of appropriate or ideal design excellence can outperform most commercially produced jacketed soft point bullets in game-field results (terminal ballistics). However, many consistencies are mandatory for the casting of top-quality projectiles. Among them are quality alloy of appropriate composition and hardness, caster knowl-edge and static time-proven techniques, and fine equipment.
I fire hundreds of large bore centerfire rifle rounds per year in plinking, concentrated practice, recreational and experimenting pursuits; I find that for several years straight I’ve also increased their use in big game and big dangerous game hunting. For over three decades I’ve stayed with scrap wheel weights for alloy due to its ready availability, composition (antimony, arsenic, lead, and tin) and usually low junk pricing. These I melt in a single large pot in 100 to 250 lb. batch-es, not only to guarantee composition consistency in the ingots produced, but also to get rid of most all dirt and other impurities. All moulds I presently have are custom made to the given rifle’s bore diameter and chamber throating and all bullet designs incorporate the flat nose style with wide meplats. Additionally, all utilize a long front drive band which, when seated in the cases, extend out to solid throat contact.
A successful technique used when casting to easily increase bullet hardness, which, in turn, allows increases in muzzle velocities for better penetration as well as flatter trajectories is called water dropping -dropping the just-cast bullets directly from the mould into a nearby bucket of water. Years ago I developed what’s become for me an extremely practical and efficient water-dropping method.
Regrettably many modern-day shooters and hunters don’t realize that optimum-quality cast bullets of appropriate or ideal design excellence can outperform most commercially produced jacketed soft point bullets in game-field results (terminal ballistics). However, many consistencies are mandatory for the casting of top-quality projectiles. Among them are quality alloy of appropriate composition and hardness, caster knowl-edge and static time-proven techniques, and fine equipment.
I fire hundreds of large bore centerfire rifle rounds per year in plinking, concentrated practice, recreational and experimenting pursuits; I find that for several years straight I’ve also increased their use in big game and big dangerous game hunting. For over three decades I’ve stayed with scrap wheel weights for alloy due to its ready availability, composition (antimony, arsenic, lead, and tin) and usually low junk pricing. These I melt in a single large pot in 100 to 250 lb. batch-es, not only to guarantee composition consistency in the ingots produced, but also to get rid of most all dirt and other impurities. All moulds I presently have are custom made to the given rifle’s bore diameter and chamber throating and all bullet designs incorporate the flat nose style with wide meplats. Additionally, all utilize a long front drive band which, when seated in the cases, extend out to solid throat contact.
A successful technique used when casting to easily increase bullet hardness, which, in turn, allows increases in muzzle velocities for better penetration as well as flatter trajectories is called water dropping -dropping the just-cast bullets directly from the mould into a nearby bucket of water. Years ago I developed what’s become for me an extremely practical and efficient water-dropping method.
As shown in the photograph, I begin with a 6-gallon plastic bucket, taller than the more common 5-gallon size thus superior for my heavyweight 400-to 600-gr. bullets which I most often cast. I make, then insert inside an angled, three-tier shelf system constructed of 1/8” thick metal wire frameworks laterally covered with medium-weight cotton duck fabric. These tiers pre-vent the just-cast bullets from plummeting straight to the bottom of the bucket to impact others, thus causing accuracy-detrimental deformities.
To maintain static water temperature during the casting process, I run a section of garden hose from a faucet down a side to the bottom of the bucket, keeping a small stream of water running. This constant flow results in the bucket water becoming and remaining temperature-stable, thus helping to ensure a static BHN. For the overflow, I installed a $3.15 short, thru-hull plastic connector (intended for boat use; 5/8” hose diameter) secured roughly 1-1/2” down from the top by J-B WELD® epoxy-type adhesive. If desired, a section of plastic tubing or hose can be run from the connector to direct the overflow wherever preferred.
Assuming water will be from a cold tap, initial bucket water temperature can be increased by those individuals casting slowly, or those producing bullets of small or medium calibers by simply reducing appropriately the amount of flow into the bucket. Or, if it’s desirable for those above folks, or for the purpose of jump-starting when beginning to cast, pour in a 2-quart pan of boiling water to quickly raise overall temperature.
This bucket-type assembly allows the caster to concentrate on achieving and maintaining bullet quality, and precludes most interruptions to rhythm and constant overriding concerns of damaging bullets.
My illustrated bucket assembly has been engineered to my own technique and preferences, but in building your own you shouldn’t be hesitant to alter its overall design and/or features to your own preferences and techniques. As shown, depending upon your own materials sources, excluding your time and gasoline, the cost to produce a comparable unit can run about$15.00-plus. This one cost me $12.00 - extremely cheap for the superb results and sizeable reduction in mental and physical tensions.
Assuming water will be from a cold tap, initial bucket water temperature can be increased by those individuals casting slowly, or those producing bullets of small or medium calibers by simply reducing appropriately the amount of flow into the bucket. Or, if it’s desirable for those above folks, or for the purpose of jump-starting when beginning to cast, pour in a 2-quart pan of boiling water to quickly raise overall temperature.
This bucket-type assembly allows the caster to concentrate on achieving and maintaining bullet quality, and precludes most interruptions to rhythm and constant overriding concerns of damaging bullets.
My illustrated bucket assembly has been engineered to my own technique and preferences, but in building your own you shouldn’t be hesitant to alter its overall design and/or features to your own preferences and techniques. As shown, depending upon your own materials sources, excluding your time and gasoline, the cost to produce a comparable unit can run about$15.00-plus. This one cost me $12.00 - extremely cheap for the superb results and sizeable reduction in mental and physical tensions.