Lube for cast bullets?

[theBIGone2087]

So I have finally acquired myself a nice Uberti Single Action. I figured to keep things simple (and cost down) I would just use lead bullets for re-loading (.45 colt). I am just curious if it is necessary to lube the bullets before reloading? I have read a few placed a product calls Alox is used, but I have no idea what that is or if it is necessary... THe only lube I use is Hornady one-shot with my regular stuff.

Thanks!

 

[A_J]

Are you going to purchase bullets or cast your own?

Many of the commercial lead bullets are prelubed when you get them; home cast will require a lube. The type you choose is dictated by the lubricating method and bullet style.

Bullet casters seem to be a thrifty lot, and plenty of folks have found rather effective ways to lubricate the lead projectiles. One product I use is good old fashioned paste wax. It's simply carnauba wax and pine turpentine - you can find it at traditional hardware stores. The name brand is Landmark and the packaging looks like it hasn't changed since the 1940s.

 

[hvymax]

Sometimes I use spray moly to coat mine.

 

[j8064]

Cast bullets need to be lubed. As said before commercial cast are usually lubed when you buy them.

For home cast bullets liquid Alox is simple to use. Just tumble the bullets in a bowl to coat them, stand them on end on some waxed paper and let them dry:
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=466811

 

[theBIGone2087]

ahh ok. I will being buying my own. My bench is in the basement and there isn't very good ventilation so casting my own is out of the question.

THANKS!

 

[Biggfoot44]

Unless you special order them unlubed and unsized, all commercial cast bullets will come lubed. Unless special ordered otherwise they usuall come with a hard crayon looking lube. Virtually any will be quite adaquite for all .45LC loads of quasi normal pressures using smokless.

If loading BP , you need to order bullets w/ BP Lube, almost always SPG brand.

Welcome to handloading, 45 Colt is well suited for reloading

 

[pop-gunner]

They will come lubed if you buy them from any commercial manufacturer unless stated otherwise.
I buy mine lubed.
Then just for the fun of it I coat them with Lee Liquid Alox.
A little of this goes a long way. It's a thick liquid in a plastic bottle.
I heat some water in a bowl and set the bottle of alox in it to warm up. Dump 500 bullets in a plastic tub and dribble alox over them and rotate the tub till they are all covered.
Let them dry overnight on a cookie sheet covered with wax paper. Do this outside or in the garage as it smells.
The alox hardens into a brown varnish that lubricates as well as cuts down on leading.

 

[Polecat]

I do it the old fashion way (imagine that! ). Cast my own and lub/size each one. Good past time while watching TV.

 

[theBIGone2087]

haha thanks guys I appreciate the help.

I've been reloading now for a few years and just decided to work with lead so I needed all the help I could get!

Thanks again!!