Bullet Casting
Learning how to cast bullets can be a significant hurdle for a new shooter. To become a competitive black powder cartridge competitor, though, you must become an accomplished bullet caster. Even those with basic experience in casting No. 2 alloy pistol bullets will find that casting the “big” bullets we shoot to be more of a challenge.
To become proficient, one must know and understand the basic rules of casting and follow them religiously. Turning out top-quality lead bullets involves a healthy dose of technique, as well. Pitfalls can creep into the process even with the most experienced bullet caster. It is necessary to pay attention to the small details of casting to avoid problems.
BULLET ALLOY
Most black powder cartridge competitors use a lead to-tin alloy that is between 20:1 and 30:1. An alloy of 30:1 contains one pound of tin for every 30 pounds of pure lead. Various companies catering to black powder cartridge shooters sell premixed alloy, so it is not necessary to blend your own. The alloy I use is 25:1; however, I am one who prefers to buy pure lead and tin and blend my own. But to obtain consistent bullet weights from one batch to the next, an accurate scale is needed for weighing lead and tin. Bathroom scales are not precise enough to be used for weighing lead and tin for alloying. It is important to precisely weigh the components to achieve nearly identical bullet weights from any given bullet mould from one batch of prepared alloy to the next.
Esta historia es de la edición Fall 2017 de The Black Powder Cartridge News.
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Esta historia es de la edición Fall 2017 de The Black Powder Cartridge News.
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ON HUNTING AND SNIPING
Long-range target shooting here in the U.S. has become increasingly popular, at least since the first International Match with the Irish team in 1874.
Death in the Desert
This Colt .45 “Peacemaker” was found out in the desert in historically one of the most dangerous places on Earth.
A COVID-19 Project
As far as the COVID-19 pandemic is concerned, I can’t find much good to say about it. One thing I can say, though; I had a lot of idle time on my hands. After perusing YouTube videos during this time of lockdown, I came across a company that makes rifle kits – Kibler’s Long Rifles.
Smithmoor .22 Offhand Target Championship NSmithmoor Rangen Carpenter, Wyoming – February 20-21, 2021
The Smithmoor .22 Offhand Target Championship held February 20-21, was a great success! It was a two-day match with 50 record shots per day on the 100-yard German Ring Target from SPG Sales (blackpowderspg.com). Wyoming Schuetzen Union rules were used.
A .40 Caliber Long-Range Rifle
During a recent stay in New Zealand, we found ourselves in Rotorua, which is the stomping grounds of expert Kiwi rifleman, Laurie Kerr. Laurie has been a friend since we first met at Raton, New Mexico, a number of years ago and we have managed to stay in relatively good communication ever since.
BE MORE THAN A Wannabe PART II
Since my first article was published in Issue No. 113 of The Black Powder Cartridge News, I have received several emails and groups from readers.
The Hide Hunting Exploits of HARRY “SAM” YOUNG
It’s difficult now to remember exactly where I first read or heard about Hard Knocks by Harry “Sam” Young. The book is an extremely entertaining read and in the Publisher’s Note, it specifically states, “The great lesson of this book is that “truth is stranger than fiction.”
Match Results
World’s Largest Black Powder Target Rifle Match Phoenix, Arizona – March 1-10, 2021 BEN AVERY SHOOTING FACILITY
The Wyoming Schuetzen Union's “Center Shot”
John Bodine, “Old Reliable”
Who Was Albert F. Mitchell?
When somebody hears the words “Sharps rifle,” the first things that probably come to mind are the great buffalo hunts, the “Wild and Wooly West” and tales of long-range shots, Indian attacks, and hunters freezing in blizzards.
