I've always cast bullets with a bottom pour furnace, the only exception was using a dipper to pour some 300+gr bullets. I place the mould under the bottom pour furnace and let the lead stream shoot directly into the sprue plate opening, leaving a healthy load of lead on the top of the mould. Doesn't matter if it's a one cavity, dual, or a foursome, I do it just the same. I've cast about 3500lbs of bullets this way with good results, I realize this is a pittance in comparison to what some here have done. I've always had had good results with the bullets I've cast. Many where .45ACP bullets, which require little precision for 7-50yd shooting. Some are .35 caliber long range pistol and rifle bullets that have performed admirably out to 200 yds. They have ranged from .258 to .458, all with reasonably good results if matched to the bore/throat of the firearm in question. The question that I have is: What are the benefits/disadvantages of pouring bullets with the spout of the pot or ladel in the actual cutout in the sprue plate? As stated, I've never done it this way. Is there an advantage to this? Is there a disadvantage? Does it really make a darn bit of difference, so long as the bullets are accurate? I've read scores of info that advocate this way, and that way, and this specific way, but what I've done has always worked, as long as the diameter was correct. I've always been concerned with alloy temp and keeping the alloy clean. Frosting, an interesting subject unto itself. I primarily cast bullets with wheelweights, which I quench straight out of the mould. If they don't need to be hard, I buy them cheaply in bulk, swaged. What is the reasoning behind putting the spout or ladel, IN the sprue plate? What do you think about this matter?
The reason I'm asking all these questions is: I'm in the process of purchasing a .475 revolver and a .416 rifle. I'll be using cast bullets in the revolver exclusivley, and in the rifle for practice. I've had touble getting 300+gr bullets to pour out of the RCBS Pro-Melt, and the bullets for both these weapons will be in the 400gr range. If I use excessive alloy temp it works OK, but I like to have a little diameter for sizing.
The reason I'm asking all these questions is: I'm in the process of purchasing a .475 revolver and a .416 rifle. I'll be using cast bullets in the revolver exclusivley, and in the rifle for practice. I've had touble getting 300+gr bullets to pour out of the RCBS Pro-Melt, and the bullets for both these weapons will be in the 400gr range. If I use excessive alloy temp it works OK, but I like to have a little diameter for sizing.