Monday, December 14, 2020

Powder-Coating Lead Bullets

Powder coating lead bullets – dry tumble (DT) method
https://www.mp-molds.com/tipstricks/powder-coating-lead-bullets-dry-tumble-dt-method/
"It can also be called ASBBDT "Dry tumbling using the AirSoft BBs as a tumbling media", because I use BBs too. I did think about getting a spray gun but after achieving good results with DT, I never looked back. Use of a spray gun is called ESPC method = Electrostatic powder coat (applied with a spray gun using a static charge). You can always buy an Electrostatic PC gun to get the smoothest finish, but it comes with more setup, more cleanup time and some powder will be lost."

"Why PowderCoat (PC)?
    Replaces lubricants / less mess
    Not sticky (clean seating dies)
    Sometimes faster then alox/lubrisizer (depends on your method)
    Cheaper – use of push through sizers / no need for lubrisizer
    Doesn't dry/melt/crack in long term storage
    Less or no smoke when shooting
    Easier cleaning
    No lead exposure when handling bullets
    Lower friction/ longer barrel life/ lower temperature (see American Eagle® Syntech™)
    Color coding projectiles (for different loadings with same bullet)
    They usually work in bullet feeders for your progressives
    You can enlarge dia of cast projectile by 0.002″ – 0.003″ – if you need!
    You can use soft alloy
    PC'd cast bullets can be used in supressors
    PC'd bullets will not clog compesators / ports
and if you just hate colours:
    Use CLEAR PC for traditional look (it has no pigment)"

Why & How To: Powder Coating Bullets: https://www.snipercountry.com/powder-coating-bullets/
"What, exactly, is powder coating?
It is coating a metal part with powdered paint using heat, and is popular in industrial applications.
But, for our purposes, powder coating involves taking a freshly-cast bullet (not lubed) the right diameter and baking on powdered paint in an oven."

Powder Coating Cast Bullets -
The Benefits and Downsides of Coating Your Own:
https://www.handloadermagazine.com/powder-coating-cast-bullets

How to Powder Coat Your Bullets: https://www.usreloadingsupply.com/news-how-to-powder-coat-your-bullets2
"Here is what you will need in order to get setup:
Toaster oven ($10 to $15) –
This can be acquired at a local thrift store for a pretty decent price. I have picked them up for under $10 before. You do have to make sure to have a thermometer on-hand to measure 400 degrees F. You can buy a new one for $20 on Amazon if you prefer to go that route but it's recommended to still check the temp as they can fluctuate.
Please make sure that you never, ever, use food in a toaster oven or pot or pan, anything really, that you've had lead or anything similar in! Lead can be toxic, especially for children and exposure can be avoided.
Also, find a spot outside to cure these.

Plastic Airsoft BB's, Black
($5 to $10) –
This is easy to get and can be found at your local Wally World. It is important to get black bb's as they are more dense and create a better static field. You can substitute other colors but your mileage may vary.

Number 4 or 5 Type Recyclable Container with Lid (IE: Cool Whip/TupperWare containers – $3) –
This is a lot easier to find than you might think. Look on the bottom of an old butter/margarine tub for that symbol that has a "4" inside the recycle logo.
The lid does NOT have to be the same type of plastic but the container does have to be specifically that.
It is otherwise known as "LDPE". This type aids in the production of static electricity, which helps the powder stick to the lead projectiles.

Lead Projectiles (Cost not included as they should be around if you cast) –
They need to be clean, dry and unlubed. Other than that, you should be good to go.

Baking Mat/Silicone Baking Tray or Non-Stick Aluminum Foil (Free to $5) – This can be had for free from the wife's stash … but I'd advise against it as it might become a point of contention and also, once used, I'd avoid food on it.
You can use a tray that comes with a toaster oven as well. 
("Non-stick Alum: Dullest side up is the non-stick side.")

Powder Coat (Ranges from $10 and up per Pound) – I bought a pound of the cheapest stuff I could find on an auction site and it was about $8 but I usually see it around $10 to $15 a pound.
It depends on whether or not you have preference in color. I didn't and ended up getting red because of the price. If you want to get some sparkling or chameleon colored coating, expect to pay a premium.
This is totally a personal preference choice. When you get it home, do take care with handling because if you drop it and the bag busts, it is not a fun cleanup (ask me how I know).
A pound should last a good amount of time. I do not have any firm estimates but I can tell you that I have coated 300 or so projectiles and still have a ton left. A little bit will generally do it and can go a long way. Harbor Freight is another option but I've read a lot of mixed reviews concerning utilizing it to coat projectiles."
Eastwood is one source for powder ...

Powder Coating Bullets - https://www.thefirearmsforum.com/threads/powder-coating-bullets.174388/
"Non-stick Alum: Dullest side up is the non-stick side."

Already coated lead bullets - many vendors, including:
GARDNERS CACHE:  http://gardnerscache.com/powder_coated_bullets.html



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