Steve Brooks mold.

[Distant Thunder]

I had some time to sit down with my new Steve Brooks .44 caliber, 490 grain elliptical paper patch mold yesterday. This was only the 3rd time I had cast with it and I seem to be getting the hang of it.

I cast 100 bullets, all were between 489.8 and 490.8 grains.

I did have several about mid way through that had a visible flaw after I lowered the temperature a little too much once the mold and I got in a good rhythm, but raising the temperature just a bit cleared that up quickly. Any bullet with a visible flaw is put back in the pot right out of the mold.

I have many of Steve's excellent molds, but this one is becoming my favorite!

[Don McDowell]

The only thing I don't like about the Brooks moulds, is having to leave the sprue plate so sloppy loose to get the bases to fill out. Casting very consistent bullets with a Brooks mould is a snap. The other thing I like about the Brooks moulds are you make a drawing send it and the check to him, and it won't be long till you get a call from him and confirm what he's seeing on paper and then in a short time you got a package in the mail.

[Distant Thunder]

Don,
Having someone who will cut a totally custom mold of such high quality is a big plus for the BPTR shooters.

I managed to adjust the plate on this one so that there is very little play up and down but it still swings freely.

The only problem I'm having with this mold now is that it flashes around the base a little bit most of the time. It is critical as to how long I hold the ladle against the sprue. A second too little and the base is rounded, a second too long and it flashes big time. It requires a count of 2 1/2 to 3 seconds.

I preheat my molds on a hot plate. With this one I have to start with the pot on a higher temperature and watch for the first hint of whiskers and then turn it down to a more normal temperature.

Yesterday the very first bullet looked pretty good but I threw it back anyway. I then started keeping them from the second bullet on. Somewhere after 40 bullets I had 2 that had just the slightest whiskers and I turned the heat down a little too much. Bullet number 53 had a visible flaw in the shank, 2 more of those and I bumped the temperature up just a touch and within 3 more I was good again all the way to the end of casting for the day, my 100 bullets.

The base flashing isn't bad, I can just rub it off with a paper towel. It's still a PITA to have to deal with it.

These 100 bullets are the best looking bullets I've cast in a while. I think I'm going to keep this mold!

[DirtySteve]

I picked up a Brooks mould at the Q. 45 cal Paper Patch .443 Diameter 560 grains.. Can not wait to try it..

[Kevin Alexander]

I have 4 questions for you Jim.

What mixture of lead are you using?
What furnace are you using?
What are whiskers in your post above?
What is flashing in your post above?

Pictures would be nice to help explain if possible.

Thx

KA

[Kurt]

Well Steve, how did the Q go for you?

Reports coming out are slow this year for some reason.

Kurt

[Distant Thunder]

Hi Kevin! I hope all is well with you.

Whiskers are fine lead "hairs" that are produced when the lead flows into the vent lines of the mold.
Flashing is produced when the lead flows into the slight gap between the sprue plate and the top of the blocks forming a fin, this can also be called finning. It can also flow between the two inner surfaces of the blocks, between the 2 halves, there is something really wrong if this occurs.

Both of these conditions can occur when the blocks and/or the lead become too hot or if there is manufacturing defect in the mold, also if the mold has been abused.

I have used the same Lee 20 pound pot for 30 year. If it holds up another 10 years I'll figure I got my money's worth out of it.

[Kevin Alexander]

All is well enough for me at this time and I won't complain. Thanks for the explanations.

I will hopefully see you this fall.


KA

[DirtySteve]

Kurt, It went ok for me. I think I had 27.. It was well run this year with scores being announced fairly fast after the match.
Some Aussie were there. I have heard any number from 470 to 514 attended..

[Kurt]

Very good Steve.
Nothing wrong with a 27 learning what that range hands out with no flags telling you what is going on down range. Watching smoke or feeling the wind on line is not always what's going on past the crick.