Bullet casting in more detail

A more detailed view of the automated machine casting process of handgun bullets. The machine is fed only virgin lead alloy from Northern Smelters in Queensland. It is known as their "hard ball" bullet making lead alloyed with 92-2-6...92% lead, 2% tin and 6% antimony. After casting this alloy averages 15-17 Brinell hardness which works extremely well in all types of handguns with mild right up to very hot loads with extremely accurate results.
All our cast bullets are Hi Tek Coated twice for excellent results in hugely reducing friction, reducing smoke output and virtually eliminating leading of your gun barrels even with the highest velocity loads.
We realise many bullet casters today still use special lubricants in the lube grooves of many bullet designs in preference to a modern coating like Hi Tek. Our view is that there are too many advantages to the Hi Tek coating versus the old traditional lubes still often used.
The key to effective casting of these bullets is not only a high quality machine like this Magma Mark 8 Bullet machine. The moulds are VERY important obviously and we use a variety of excellent mould sets from Magma, Accurate Moulds and LBT Moulds.
Mould temperature is critical to casting good fully filled bullets. Sprew cutter adjustments are also critical to obtain consistent bullet base integrity which greatly affects accuracy.
Lead temperatures are constantly changing as the lead ingots are being added regularly to the mix. This will affect the whole process and an eye must be kept on output quality constantly to ensure consistency by adjusting rotation speeds or lead drop volume and speed.
Machine rotation speeds are very important and are often varied with bullet mould types, ambient temperatures and bullet weights.
The lead dropping volume and rate of drop is one of the most critical areas one is required to optimise to ensure full mould filling.
There are many more factors and it's not a case of set the machine and forget it. An operator is constantly watching the results and adjusting some of the above parameters to maintain a constant flow of top quality bullets.
When you can take a large number of bullets from a batch, weigh them to ensure small variations you know you have mastered the process. The bullets here are being cast using a Magma 45ACP 200grain Round Nose design and we keep the weights generally within a 5 grain range.

Bullet sizing after coating completes the manufacturing process. These bullets will be sized to .452" proving extremely accurate results in your typical semi auto or revolver hang guns.