- This topic is empty.
-
Topic
-
rexgrigg
Alright,
I’ve got two NOE molds.
360-160 WFN RG2 and TL452-230-RF RG2
I’ve had the TL452 for a few months, I’ve ran over 1500 bullets through it. I just got the 360-160 this week.
I followed the break in directions to the T. Cleaned with hot soapy water, heat cycled three times, light smoke.
On both molds I’m getting lead tearing off the bands.
http://imgur.com/hOykRRC http://imgur.com/Om8cm9P Warning large images.
Mold temp is 425-450°, alloy is 50/50 COWW/Pure with 2% tin, alloy temp has been run from 725-800°.
I’ve ran the molds fast, I’ve ran them slow.
This morning I completely broke down both molds and gave them a good scrubbing with denatured alcohol. Cleaned off the mold faces with a cotton swab, cleaned out all the vent lines. Really a good deep cleaning all around.
Same result. I’m heating the molds on a hot plate. Plate temp is 425°.
The only way to get half way decent bullets with minimal tearing is to let the mold sit a good 30 seconds then start lightly tapping the mold handles to open the mold and allow the bullets to release. There’s still some tearing but not as bad.
I have non-hollow point molds from other makers. I don’t get this tearing. Even with the Lee TL molds I don’t get the tearing, same alloy, same temps. It’s just these two NOE molds.
Needless to say I’m getting a bit frustrated.
Any ideas?
rexgrigg-
Replies
-
adamsutherland
Hugh Kuhns
It sounds like you are doing everything right and still not getting the desired results. But from my limited experience…I cast at between 700 and 715 and heat the mould to 350-375 and use an alloy of 92/6/2 and have no problems. When looking at your photos I did not think they looked frosty like I felt they would if they were too hot. You would think that your alloy of 50/50 plus 2% tin , which is a popular alloy, would have made problems for other casters. So it could very well be dirt of some kind in the alloy. Just a question …what are you using to measure the mold and pot temperature? Are you sure it is correct?
762sultan
SwedeNelson
TexasGrunt – Rex
Is your alloy made up of any range lead?
Have had this happen one other time and it was do to fine grit in the alloy.If you would like to send your moulds back I will check them out and see what we can find
Will fix, replace or refund your money – no problem.Bullet maker, maker
Al Nelsonbrigettecuneo
This is the reason I ,and many others, buy NOE moulds. They are fantastic moulds and any problem is quickly addressed. Thanks again for your great service.
I also second the superior customer service and special attention Al personally addresses and makes right every time. Really stand up guy.
teemu
I recal I have same problem with one RG mold aslo Not able to understand why it happening. Then I noticed those tearings came when bullets drop on that side were pins don’t stand…hard to explain on english. I got good bullets when those bullets stick that side of mold block where pins are connected. I turned mold on side (on that side where pins are attached)then give a litle tap on handles nut and bullets drop ok
Very good custom service. Haven’t seen same kind any where +10
There’s no range lead.
I got both molds working just fine.
I figured out to run the melt at 780-800°, keep the mold HOT.
Pour, watch the sprue puddle, when it goes dull give it a five count for the 360 mold, cut sprue and drop.
With the 452 it takes 7-10 seconds.
Any quicker and they tear. Any slower and they tear….unless I wait at least 20 seconds.
Kind of strange but I managed to get better than 95% good bullets doing the above.
I did clean both molds with denatured alcohol. Then I gave them a VERY light smoke because I was seeing swirls even after the molds were hot and the bands were good.
Just goes to show that every mold is an individual and there’s no one size fits all.
robertpedersen1
adamsutherland
Hugh Kuhns
SwedeNelson
brigettecuneo
teemu- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.