storing aluminum molds

Up

0

Down

::

I have accumulated a number of NOE molds over the years and just received my latest a few days ago. A four cavity aluminum 358-124-SWC for my 9mm. And once again, it works perfectly.

I store all molds, steel and aluminum, in air tight 50 cal ammo cans after giving them a light coat of oil.

A long time question has been, do the aluminum molds need to be coated with a preservative or not when stored this way?

Topic

[adamsutherlandModerator]

Up

0

Down

::

I have decades old aluminium moulds that have been stored without any treatment just kept in original boxes in a cold but dry garage in an old defunct upright freezer and numerous shelves around the walls. Many with handles attached are just stored on the shelves without any covering.

There can be very occasional light surface rust patches on sprue plates, or iron moulds which wipe off leaving no visible marks, I live in the UK with its damp and cool maritime climate.

So from my experience in my conditions the answers is no, however your conditions may require a different approach

[Full.Lead.TacoKeymaster]

Up

0

Down

::

Mine just sit in a bin–nothing special other than I try to remember to put a light coating of oil on the sprue plates to prevent rust.  Even if the sprue plate does rust, you can usually remedy that with a light brushing of oil and steel wool.

[Hugh KuhnsParticipant]

Up

0

Down

::

I do pretty much the same as others but I add some foam egg cartons that have been cut up and pieces are placed between the molds. I move my ammo storage cans around as needed when working at the loading bench and don’t want to damage the molds by bouncing them around. I’m not concerned about rust or corrosion but more about damage from them slamming in to each other.  In one box I have used some bubble wrap and it works well also. These are not in long term storage and are used every few months, so I inspect them at least once in a while.

If you store them in the box that is was sent in then all you have to do is keep a rubber band around the box to keep it secured. I usually keep most of the molds installed on handles.

762sultan

[adamsutherlandModerator]

Up

0

Down

::

BTW this only applies so long as you don’t use Marvelux, it is extremely hygroscopic and will rust the hell out of anything its vapours touch, awful stuff.

[Author]

Replies