A small package arrived from Slovakia today...

[speedsix]

...does the brass wear better or the lead not stick to it as much? European stuff makes you spit on anything made in China...

[speedsix]

...well it never hurts to have a spare...

[Jumping Frog]

JumpingFrog has had one of these molds for a while, so he'd know better. Guess I'll have to ditch my plans to break into his garage after all

What if I told you I kept my mold in the gun safe?

Anyway, congrats. I hope you enjoy it and put it to good use.

As far as brass goes, I like the fact that it has a higher heat co-efficient than aluminum. It seems to cast more like a steel mold, but has the advantage that it won't rust like my steel molds. My steel molds, I spray them down with oil after use before I store them away, and then take the time to degrease them and get them ready to cast before the next session. This brass mold? When I am done casting I just put it away until next time. No degreasing needed either. Sweet.

[v-rog]

That really looks good. You might need to lock it up the next time I come over, Andy.

[ghostrider]

It looks impressive and not as expensive as I would have expected.

[ddstuder]

I got one a couple weeks ago! The craftmanship on these things is unreal! I got the one with the hollow point pins. I have not had a chance to cast with it yet but plan on doing it this weekend.

I am still trying to read the Slovenian newspaper that mine was wrapped in!

[Jumping Frog]

Some folks over at castboolits suggest getting an electric hot plate to heat it up and maintain the temperature between casts.

I warm all my molds on a hot plate. Once I am casting and up to temp, there is no need for the hot plate. Found my electric burner at Walgreens on sale for $4.

If you do get one of the coil burner-style hot plates, find a thrift store pan or a piece of sheet metal to sit the mold on top of. Don't place the mold directly on top of the electric coil. If you have any residual lead on the mold that melts once the mold gets hot, a drop of molten lead dripping on to the electric coil will ruin it.