Making bullets

[bill m]

The "cheap reload" thread made me think of something that should have it's own thread.
Lots of talk about making your own bullets. I have never done that. But it was mentioned to me about a month ago when I bought a 500 box of Hard Cast 185 SWC for my 45. $50. I had an audible reaction to that. It's been a while since I have bought lead. I guess the price has gone up.
A guy started talking to me about making my own. He was pointing out everything that I would need. I was tempted. I don't know if I have the time.
I am concerned about the health concerns with working with lead.
I would like to hear from you if you make your own. Tell me about the drawbacks if there are any. Time, processes, and safety are my main questions.
Maybe that will be my next bad habit; per my wife:sleep:

[Joe Boleo]

Making bullets requires a certain amount of care and concern for safety. I cast bullets outdoors so there is little of no danger of a health hazard from lead fumes. Read up on the process or get a caster to teach you and observe how it is done. Lyman has an excellent Cast Bullet Reloading Manual that covers everything you need to know. Wear protective clothing, gloves and eye protection and go for it. Hope this helps. Take care...
Joe

[Badger]

bill m,

I cast all my handgun bullets and many for rifles like .30-06, 8mm, 7.65mm, 7mm, .303, 7.62mm, etc. I scrounge free wheelweights from the local tire shop. The old wheelweights are gray and large ones can be bent. BEWARE of the new wheelweights that are a shiny silver color and long ones cannot be bent. Instead of being lead and antimony, the new ones are aluminum, cadmium or any other junk the Chinese can melt down. I add some tin solder to a pot of WWs and drop my bullets from the moulds into a bucket of water to harden them. I lube with aalox and get no leading.

My heat source is a Coleman 2-burner stove and I cast outdoors. Good luck casting. Wear heavy work gloves and eye protection. The Lyman book covers it all.

Badger