How do I Polish Bullet Mold?
Gun enthusiasts often enjoy the craft that goes into gunsmithing and bullet-making as much as using the firearms themselves. One of the most popular crafts involving firearms is bullet casting, chosen by many for its ease and economy. But casting bullets at home is a craft that requires proper equipment, practice, care and skill. Bullet molds require regular maintenance for safety and quality of results, and polishing them properly and regularly is crucial for casting well-formed, properly sized bullets and bullet drop.
Things You'll Need
- Lead bullet (cast from the mold to be polished)
- Bullet mold
- Power drill
- Drill bit
- Driver bit
- Screwdriver
- Screw
- Metal polishing compound
- Acetone
- Washrag
- Cotton swabs
Instructions
-
-
1
Drill lengthwise into the base of the bullet (cast from the mold to be polished) with a drill bit about one-third the diameter of the bullet. Stop drilling halfway through the bullet.
-
2
Drive a screw slightly larger than the drill bit into the hole.
-
-
3
Coat the bullet with polishing compound.
-
4
Insert the bullet into the bullet mold and clamp it shut with the screw sticking out of the top.
-
5
Turn the screw using the power drill and driver bit. This will make the bullet spin and polish the mold. Start slowly and increase speed. Polish for about one minute.
-
6
Open the mold and remove the bullet.
-
7
Wipe the polishing compound from the bullet.
-
8
Repeat for each bullet space in the mold.
-
9
Wipe away remaining polishing compound from the mold with a washrag. Apply acetone to the mold with cotton swabs to remove any additional polishing compound.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Only polish each bullet space in the mold for about a minute, starting slowly and gradually building speed. Over-polishing can change the diameter of the spaces and affect bullet shape, size and drop.
When using chemicals like acetone, work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
References
- Photo Credit cast lead bullet image by Paul Moore from Fotolia.com
