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Old 11-08-2021, 04:59 PM
gdkmedic gdkmedic is offline
 
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Default Making Lead Shot

Making your own shot sure makes shooting Skeet and Trap more affordable!!

[IMG]IMG_0685 by Gary Koenig, on Flickr[/IMG]

[IMG]IMG_0162 by Gary Koenig, on Flickr[/IMG]
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Old 11-08-2021, 05:16 PM
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Dewey Cox Dewey Cox is offline
 
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Nicely done
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Old 11-09-2021, 08:04 AM
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Is that just a thermometer in the melting pot or is it some sort of PID controller?
My first Littleton maker only had an on/off switch, maintaining a proper temp was tricky.
The replacement machine has a rheostat type control on it. Having an actual temp controller would be the cats pajamas.
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Old 11-09-2021, 08:19 AM
gdkmedic gdkmedic is offline
 
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Yes it is a PID Controller. Works great!!
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Old 11-09-2021, 08:39 AM
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Your shot looks really good, ours isn't usually quite that round, I wish i knew why. The setup looks the same as what we use, except for the temp control.
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Old 11-09-2021, 09:02 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gdkmedic View Post
Yes it is a PID Controller. Works great!!
Good to know, I’ve got a couple controllers, thermocouples and relays suitable for those temps. I sense an upgrade coming on!

What temp do you find gives the best results? Oblong I can live with, popcorn annoys me.
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Old 11-09-2021, 04:50 PM
gdkmedic gdkmedic is offline
 
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The key is coolant. I use Sierra brand low tox antifreeze. It is available at Lordco stores in BC. What works better is CRYO-TEK AG antifreeze from Home Hardward. It is expensive but makes great shot. $50 a gallon.
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  #8  
Old 11-09-2021, 05:00 PM
Cow Town Bill Cow Town Bill is offline
 
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Default Lead shot

Whats your source of lead?
How much is it costing you per lb of shot? last time I bought shot it was nearly $3/lb By reloading I save about a $1 per box of 25 and that is only because I have a stockpile of wads and hulls from many years ago. I bought my primers about 5 yrs ago and that saved me a few bucks as well.
That's good looking shot. What size are you making?
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Old 11-09-2021, 05:11 PM
elkhunter11 elkhunter11 is offline
 
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That shot looks very good compared to most that I have seen from home makers. The smaller the size, the harder it seems to be to get nice shot, I load 28 gauge and 410 for skeet, because I can save 50%, but I don't bother with 20 or 12 gauge, but if you can make shot cheap enough, it may even be worth loading 20 or 12 gauge.
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Old 11-09-2021, 05:33 PM
gdkmedic gdkmedic is offline
 
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I get my wheel weights for free. I make mainly #8 and #9 for trap and skeet. I load 12, 28 and 410. My cost for a pound of shot would be minimal. The only cost I have is coolant and goes a long way before I have to buy more. I also make shot for other people. They give me wheel weights and I give them half back in shot. Everyone is happy!!
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Old 11-09-2021, 06:04 PM
elkhunter11 elkhunter11 is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gdkmedic View Post
I get my wheel weights for free. I make mainly #8 and #9 for trap and skeet. I load 12, 28 and 410. My cost for a pound of shot would be minimal. The only cost I have is coolant and goes a long way before I have to buy more. I also make shot for other people. They give me wheel weights and I give them half back in shot. Everyone is happy!!
With more and more suppliers discontinuing lead for making wheel weights, you might start finding it more difficult to maintain your supply.
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Old 11-09-2021, 07:53 PM
vic1 vic1 is offline
 
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I made my own shot maker and after few attempts shot turned out very good. I use plain hot water for a coolant. To get round shot it is critical to have a dropping lip as close o the water as I can get. I run my shot maker at 320 to 340C. Vic
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