[dbach]

Casting "Boolets" is just another feather in your hat in the knowledge of firearms, reloading and anything else to do with shooting. All knowledge is good.

Common misunderstandings.

Melting lead at the temperatures we use to cast will not expose you to lead vapor. It would take temperatures over 1200 degrees F to generate lead vapor, our casting pots will only reach 900 degrees +/-. Shooting at a poorly ventilated indoor range, or standing over a dry case tumbler is more likely to expose you to lead toxins. The source of the toxins would most likely be from the spent primers.


A drop of water falling into a lead pot will not explode.
If you stood over a lead pot and used an eyedropper to introduce a drop of water, it would dance around on the surface of the molten lead and quickly boil away. However if you were to drop a wet object into a lead pot and the object sunk, allowing the water to go beneath the surface you would no doubt get a visit from the tinsel ferry. Lead would go everywhere, and burn most everything it touches. Water below the surface of molten lead at 800 degrees F turns into steam instantly, in the blink of an eye .... so to speak. The water would now be steam and occupy 1700 times the space it did as a liquid. this is what causes the exploding lead pot we all have heard about. A drop of sweat from your brow will not do it.

For safety's sake:
Use molten lead in a well ventilated area, preferably outside.
Do not introduce anything wet to the lead pot.
Avoid poorly ventilated indoor ranges.
Do not breathe the dust generated by your tumbler, a mask isn't a bad idea.
Dry Tumble used casings in a well ventilated area, preferably outside.
If you use a liquid case cleaner, avoid contact with the contaminated liquid (wear protective gloves).

Always practice good hygiene when around lead ... in any form.

Casting bullets is fun and rewarding.

All knowledge is good.