Manual

21
Bullet Molds
When using T/C molds, follow the instructions supplied with the mold
block. Lead is a potent, systemic poison that serves no known useful func-
tion once absorbed by your body. Lead can be absorbed into your body
by inhalation (breathing) and ingestion (eating). Taken in large enough
doses, lead can kill you in a matter of days. Even in small quantities, lead
dust, fumes or mist can be inhaled or ingested and cause serious injury in
the respiratory system. Children are especially vulnerable to this.
Never allow children to be present in the room where you are casting bul-
lets. Ensure that your work area is well ventilated so that hazardous va-
pors are ported away from you.
Lead can also be absorbed through your digestive system if lead gets in
your mouth and is swallowed. If you handle food, cigarettes, chewing to-
bacco, or make-up which have lead on them, or handle them with hands
contaminated with lead, this will contribute to ingestion. Always be sure
to wash your hands after handling lead.
No eating, drinking or smoking should take place in any area you are
working with lead.
When casting lead bullets, use only pure lead (PB). Wear long sleeves,
safety glasses, gloves, and a canvas apron to protect you against lead
splatters. Molten lead will react violently if it comes into contact with
water or other liquids. The molten lead can erupt, with steam and hot
lead spewing in all directions. Keep your bullet casting furnace away from
possible sources of water such as the condensation from overhead pipes.
Be certain that any new lead being added to the old lead is absolutely dry.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN IN-
JURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE BULLET CASTER OR BYSTANDER,
AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.
Muzzleloading projectiles must be cast from pure lead.
Most lead alloys
commonly found in Linotype and wheel weights contain antimony. While such
alloys are very desirable for fixed cartridge projectiles, they are impractical for
muzzleloading use. Alloys containing antimony are harder and lighter than
pure lead. Consequently projectiles cast from such materials will be overly
hard (depending on the amount of antimony present) and somewhat lighter
than the bullet weight listed for the mold. The biggest problem, however, is
that
antimony alloys have less a shrinkage factor than pure lead. Antimo-
ny alloys produce an extremely hard, over size projectile which is very dif-
ficult to load properly. Pure lead can be obtained from a plumbing supply
house
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