Bullet Molds

[Clifford]

I've been doing some digging on .257 bullet molds and figured we could compile some information here in this thread.

Since my platform is the AF Condor I've been doing a lot of reading on Doug Noble's work as well as Cedric's. Doug is the creator of the dyotat AF valve and produces some very impressive numbers and accuracy with his guns. Cedric has a youtube channel where you can see what some of the AF platform is capable of with one of Doug's valves and some other customization:
https://www.youtube.com/user/tofazfou

Some light reading can be found here:
http://talonairgun.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=26906



I currently have the 85gr 257388 on order from:
http://arsenalmolds.com/products

Very fast turnaround and priced well IMO.



Good sizers and addtional molds can be found here:
http://noebulletmolds.com/




Dave sent me a great general sizing and shape guide located here:
http://ps-2.kev009.com/ohlandl/Cast_Bullet/Ideal-Lyman_Molds/Ideal-Lyman_Mold_Descriptions.html#25_Caliber_257_Diamet er


The current common .257 equation involves a .257 TJ liner in 1-14 twist. In varying lengths these barrels seem to perform well up to about 100gr according to what I've read. This will have to be tested once I have a .257 platform here.

[Jward681]

Very interested in watching this thread develop. While I'm a LONG ways away from really planning a .257 build, it is something that I have wanted to learn more about and be nice to have a 1 stop resource for this info.

[grumpy]

Lets not forget LBT molds. Veral makes some awesome molds !

http://www.lbtmolds.com/

Thought id also post which furnace I use for casting. The Lee may not be the best out there, but its hard to beat for the money

https://www.amazon.com/Lee-Precision-Pound-Electric-Melter/dp/B001MYESWE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486895139&sr=8-1&keywords=lee+bullet+casting+furnace

[Clifford]

Arsenal 257388 arrived today so I had to play with it of course.

http://airgunsforum.org/picture.php?albumid=46&pictureid=2753
http://airgunsforum.org/picture.php?albumid=46&pictureid=2755


First time casting for me so always room for improvement but here is what I pumped outta this mold today using pure lead from rotometals.
http://airgunsforum.org/picture.php?albumid=46&pictureid=2752

[grumpy]

Look great for first time bud. Keep it up and you will be a pro in no time !

Dave

[grumpy]

http://arsenalmolds.com/products?product_id=82

Thought id post a link to the mold your using.

[Clifford]

Out of my initial 200 castings I kept 61 of them based on wrinkles and other imperfections. After doing some light reading I have some tinkering to do with temp setting and seasoning of the mold. Also will try to flux the melt next time.

[BigTinBoat]

Once I find the bullet weight my Texan likes I think I'm going to look for a mold. Years ago I made all my own Bass and Crappie jigs so bullets shouldn't be too hard. I would think getting a barb to pour on a 1/32oz jig would be harder then a full bullet cavity.