1 hour smelting lead turned into 2 minutes
10
02:24

1 hour smelting lead turned into 2 minutes

For your viewing pleasure I’ve sped up video footage to demonstrate how I condense my lead & make ingots. My way isn’t the only way but just a way. ChicowizeI’m a Rookie Reloader. I started in July 2018 with my first press being a Dillon XL650 and recently I’ve joined the community of casting my own […]
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14
03:44

Building a Rocket Stove for Smelting Wheel-Weights and Casting Bullets

Recently the Full.Lead.Taco channel hosted a 'Tacopocalypse' challenge, wherein competitors were tasked with casting and reloading their own ammunition, using only a minimum of technology.  Although I wasn't able to participate myself, it did get me thinking about other ways to smelt wheel-weights and cast bullets besides using my electric burner. Ever since I read an article about Rocketstoves, I've been interested in building one, so this seemed like a pretty good excuse.
Let’s See What This Casting Thing Is All About.
10
08:03

Let’s See What This Casting Thing Is All About.

This week, I got about 400 pounds (just a guess) of used wheel weights from my Uncle's Tire Shop.  It is illegal to use lead wheel weights in Illinois, so 75/80% are Zinc.  At my current pace, I hope to get 80 to 100 pounds from these.  I picked up most of my supplies from the local resale shops.  I do need to find a big metal spoon.  The ladle didn't skim very well.  My pot is a thick cast aluminum pressure cooker.  It seemed to work okay.  I am open to any suggestions or tips, so please don't be afraid to comment.  I want to start my lead hoard like many of you have suggested.  Maybe this winter I can start making some projectiles.
Making 9’s
6
16:59

Making 9’s

Today is the day. First time casting bullets. I am using a Lee 4 20lb pot. A NOE HTC358-133-RN-BO5 2 cavity mould. I have several pounds of processed wheel weights that I will be using. My first session this morning, about 50% were acceptable, and the second session after lunch about 85-90% were looking good.