accurate molds for zinc

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  • Last Post 29 May 2021
joethereloader posted this 29 May 2021

I need a little help. I'm looking to get a mold for zinc bullets. from accurate mold, and was asked this question "You will first need to measure the resultant diameter difference between casting with a typical bullet alloy vs zinc.

I don't have data on zinc solidification contraction, so you will need to tell me the required cavity diameter." thanks for any help this is the number of the mold from accuratemolds.com

Catalog #:

45-233E 45 acp
Body Diameter:

0.452 (+.002/-.000)

zinc

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Squid Boy posted this 29 May 2021

First off, I have never tried to cast straight zinc bullets but I did find this info in a die casting handbook. Zinc generally shrinks at 3% of the thickness so you should be able to calculate the additional diameter needed. Maybe cast a few in a known mold and measure the results directly? I would be interested to know you make out with this and how they shoot. Good luck, Squid Boy

"Squid Pro Quo"

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Ken Campbell Iowa posted this 29 May 2021

you might get data for your specific zinc alloy ... i think the most common is Zamak ... a quick google search got me this for a starter ::

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Zamak alloys No. 3 and 7 can shrink about 0.0007 in./in. after several weeks at room temperature. Alloy No. 5 responds similarly, but total shrinkage can be 0.0009 to 0.0024 in./in., followed by expansion of 0.0020 in./in. over a period of years.

*****************

doesn't look like much shrinkage ... but zinc cast bullets are very hard, so getting close is important, i bet.

hope this helps, ken

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TRKakaCatWhisperer posted this 29 May 2021

We used to do zinc molding in-house (bonding a shell (a cup 2" dia and 1-1/2" deep to a shaft) for motor parts.  MOST zinc casting is done under a bit of pressure.  Just something to consider in your casting process when you get to it.

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res45 posted this 29 May 2021

My good friend Andy79Z28 is pretty much a master at casting Zinc bullets and knows pretty much everything there is on doing it.  You can watch some of his videos on his YT Channel and message him with any question you have.

'Artisan' in Lead, Brass & Powder.

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