Ammunition & Hand Loading > Cartridge and Shotshell reloading
Powder Coating Lead Bullets
bkoenig:
Ok, I FINALLY got around to picking up a powdercoat gun from Harbor Freight today. Used the 20% off coupon and got it for $48 before tax. Of course, my air compressor crapped out a while back so I needed a new one, and then I needed the powder, and a regulator, and.....
So for the price of a few thousand Berry's bullets I am now ready to start coating. Oh well, I needed a new compressor anyway. Hopefully I'll be able to give it a try yet this weekend, otherwise I'm on the road for work next week. I had considered just staying with plain cast bullets since they shoot pretty well and I really don't get much leading, but I've gotten tired of all the smoke from the lube.
GreyGeek:
Another data point in the old axiom: "When it rains ... it pours!"
unfy:
Hm, I picked up their little 3 gallon pancake compressor. I think it was 3 gallon ?
I dunno, but didn't need a regulator - has one on it... and it's been working fine.
I've been a bit busy with real life and horrible budgeting concerns (ie: haven't had internet at home for 6 months ?) ... so haven't played with SCIENCE much lately. I'm sure DangerousDrummer is looking for me to comment on his copper plating success hehehe.
I haven't made the sheath/bullet holding pin whatever things for the powder coating jig yet. For a moment, I thought I was gonna get away with just PoP nubbies on the metal tubing -- but forgot need an electrical contact as well. *sigh*.
Anyhoo, BK - ya should be able to grab an old cookie sheet or whatever sheet that comes with an old / cheap toaster oven - grab some aluminum foil (non-stick is better, and non-stick should face towards the lead... but regular will do too) - and that will give you an easy and quick intro to powder coat goodness that is still mostly effective ;)
bkoenig:
Yeah, I unboxed the compressor this afternoon and it had a built in regulator, so I returned the one I bought.
If I get time to cast some bullets tomorrow night I'll try to get them coated on Monday.
unfy:
recap:
* you can prolly use freshly cast bullets without any concern, but a 2 min soak in acetone prolly doesn't hurt
* tray that came with toaster oven or similar, with a sheet of aluminum foil over it
* any aluminum foil will do but nonstick aluminum foil is best, with nonstick side facing bullets
* ground clamp from gun goes on tray / sheet with bullets on it
* you want 1.0 to 2.0 inches between bullets, prolly 1.5 is good.
* rotate the tray a time or two to try to get more complete coverage while coating
* regulator on the tank should be putting out ~20lbs (i think! check prior in thread!)
* regulator on the gun works surprisingly well, too.
* it's messy, especially while learning, don't powder coat on any 'serious' floor
* i used a 3 sided (plus bottom) card board box as a cheap "paint hood" to good success
* don't use a tray or a toaster oven you'll be using for food ever again
* don't use kitchen oven
* don't bake indoors - fumes will kill you (possible exaggeration)
* bake at 400F for 20min
* my coatings are typically on the heavier side (prolly due to inexperience heh) but don't seem to affect things
* i don't pre-size the lead, i size it after baking (and cooling heh)
* i have a couple large plastic store bags that I keep the gun in after use ... cause it will still get powder everywhere when trying to store it etc heh
Most important:
take lots of pics, and post updates to thread!
:)
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