Prices on bullets forces me to cast

50calty · 05-12-2011, 07:15 PM

Well bullets have just gotten too expensive including round balls. After doing some research casting is cheaper in the long run. I ordered the lyman master cast kit. I bought some other things to from cabelas. Just have to get some lead and molds! Cabelas didn't have them. Have to get them from midway.

builder459 · 05-12-2011, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 50calty

Well bullets have just gotten too expensive including round balls. After doing some research casting is cheaper in the long run. I ordered the lyman master cast kit. I bought some other things to from cabelas. Just have to get some lead and molds! Cabelas didn't have them. Have to get them from midway.

Did you check out bull shops prices. there hard to beat on pure lead cast bullets, with probably the best lube on the market.. Ray

lemoyne · 05-13-2011, 06:21 AM

Some of us started when there was not many alternatives in 1968 there were not many muzzleloader goodies available.

Gm54-120 · 05-13-2011, 06:35 AM

BullShops are really hard to beat for the price and he has a huge selection and can even custom size them and adjust hardness to your needs. Email him if you have question. Thats the best way to get in touch with him and a full list of options/costs.

Under $30/100 is hard to beat even casting your own unless you get the lead for free.

nchawkeye · 05-13-2011, 10:43 AM

I haven't bought a round ball in over 25 years, didn't buy any special equipment either...I just use an old Coleman, a bag mold, dipper and heat the lead in a soup can...

I stocked up on Hornady XTPs a few years back so I shouldn't have to replace them for a while...

HEAD0001 · 05-13-2011, 01:05 PM

Welcome to the addiction. Casting bullets will save you a bunch of money. And you can have alot of fun doing it. I actually look forward to casting bullets. I get some good quiet time in my garage.

Just take your time, and take in all the information, then sieve thorough it and throw out the junk. And there is alot of junk information out there.

I have been casting for years. I can cast and shoot over 1,000 rounds in my 45 Colt for under $100. Now that is saving some money on ammo.

And the massive BP conicals are too darn expensive. You can buy a cheap mold with the price of one order. But IMO don't buy a cheap mold. Look at a good quality mold.

I have one of the RCBS adjustable Hotchkiss Molds for my 50 caliber conicals. This mold allows you to adjust the length of your conical. I really like mine. I cast a 525 grain pill for my 50 caliber's.

Jump in, andd there are alot of guys here who cast-so you should be able to get good answer to any question you have.

Below is a picture of my casting set up in the garage. Tom.

50calty · 05-13-2011, 06:05 PM

I think at some point its going to become a lose lose situation with making or buying bullets. Everything is just going up in cost. That was part of the reason I sold the .50 cal barrel. Better to stick with one caliber. Just like my centerfire rifles. Sold a 9mm carbine not long ago. There was a time that it was worth and fun to have all sorts of different calibers. Not anymore in my opinion. Better to stick with a few or one (like my muzzleloaders all in 54.) Then they use all the same. Even with powder. I know I could get a tighter group with my centerfires with a change in smokeless powder. I just try to keep it the same if I can.

a1smokepole · 05-13-2011, 07:53 PM

price for bullets are hi thats way i stop shooting in summer and use this time to buy supplys for winter shooting but still shot some in the summer but very little

SuperKirby · 05-14-2011, 05:26 AM

I hear you on costs. I've been thinking long and hard about selling some centerfires and either replacing them with more in the same caliber or leaving it thinking I really don't need as many guns as I have. I just can't quite bring myself to do it yet.