Sprue plate hole size

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  • Last Post 08 February 2022
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Little Debbie posted this 31 January 2022

Recently obtained a Saeco RG4 aka Saeco #301. The holes in the sprue plate seemed very small and when measured were both .100”. Casting is difficult; getting both cavities to fill out is tough. But when cutting the sprue there is almost no resistance and the bases are beautiful. Getting the rest of the bullet to fill out is hit and miss. I have a newer Saeco #315 mold that has sprue plate holes that are .152”. This mold casts easily and fills out the multiple grooves well. The#315 is accurate, bases look good but are covered with gas checks just like the #301. I’m considering opening the sprue plate holes on the mold to .152”.

Any thoughts pro or con?

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RicinYakima posted this 31 January 2022

I ladle pour, so have no issues with small holes. But you can open them up to not more than the .152" but allow for cutting the edge grinding on the holes. FWIW.

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OU812 posted this 31 January 2022

Can you swap sprue plates between moulds? Maybe hole size makes no difference and problem maybe your technique.

I have a 22 caliber mould with sprue holes that are way too large and deforms bullets when opening...wish holes were smaller.

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JeffinNZ posted this 31 January 2022

I made replacement plates for my .22 moulds.

Cheers from New Zealand

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Little Debbie posted this 31 January 2022

As surmised I am a bottom pour caster. I will try switching sprue plates (not sure if they will interchange) and will also try ladle casting before I start drilling. Thanks everyone

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Eutectic posted this 01 February 2022

I have SAECO rifle molds with small sprue holes. I think these are intended for typemetal with which they work very well. The small hole makes cut-off with the hard alloy much easier and gives a good even base.

The water hardening alloys can get the same hardness as typemetal and are less expensive. The use of softer alloy is all that is needed for moderate loads, but these non-eutectic alloys do not pour well and require a larger sprue hole for good casting especially with bottom pour pots.

If you have other SAECO molds you might exchange sprue plates. If you decide to open up the plate, be careful it does not take much. You might consider calling SAECO about ordering a new plate. I have been able to order new plates from RCBS, Lyman and LBT. It is nice to have a separate plate to experiment with. 

Steve 

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Shopdog posted this 01 February 2022

Have made sprue plates for Lyman's. I will say this.....

Don't make one..... make a cpl while you're at it. From a setup standpoint,the time to make several isn't but a little more material. Great project to work on your skill sets.

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Little Debbie posted this 06 February 2022

I was able to put another Saeco sprue plate on the #301 that has .152” sprue holes. Casts better, but still few acceptable bullets. Tried some ladle casts and got good bullets almost immediately. Very complete fill out, but I haven’t used a ladle for a long time and was very clumsy. My furnaces are raised to keep the spouts visible for bottom pouring and this adds to the difficulty.

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Shuz posted this 06 February 2022

Can someone explain Matt's results?

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RicinYakima posted this 06 February 2022

Alloy is hotter not going around the nipple and stop rod; better air venting with slower fill rate; mould stays at a more even temperature. Ladle casting is an art more than a science, and some people are just very good at it. 

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Little Debbie posted this 07 February 2022

And some of us are not very good at it………………

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Shuz posted this 07 February 2022

Ric-- Couldn't a person just turn up the heat and adjust the lever pot stop to compensate for the loss of heat and flow rate?

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Little Debbie posted this 07 February 2022

Yes I’ve been playing with temperatures, flow rates, and cadences and have been getting some decent casts. This mold has been one of the most difficult molds I’ve ever tried to use. Very surprised it’s a Saeco mold, they’ve always been easy to get good bullets from.

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RicinYakima posted this 07 February 2022

Sometimes they are just stubborn!

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Shuz posted this 08 February 2022

After using a bottom pour pot for over 50 years, I sure would hate to go back to a ladle!

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Little Debbie posted this 08 February 2022

My thoughts exactly Ray !

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