Powder coating and sizing

[4stringdude]

I have been powder coating cast bullets for a while. When you powder coat, do you size before or after? I have been sizing after the PC, but I'd like to know what others might do.

I do think powder coating is a great way to reduce leading. I also think it makes the bullets look really nice. I've done pink, neon orange and silver metal flake.

 

[Frontiersman]

Cool. I’ve been wanting to do this. How does the silver metal flake look?

Doesn’t sizing damage the coat?

 

[4stringdude]

I regret I don't have any of the silver available to post pics. It looks really nice. And it's great for werewolves!

I have not seen any damage from sizing after PC. But, I'm only sizing down a couple thousands.

Powder coating is pretty easy to get started with. I watched a few YouTube videos and gave it a go.

I purchased my powder from Eastwood: https://www.eastwood.com/
I use the "Cool Whip bowl" method for getting the powder on.
I bought a toaster oven at Goodwill. You definitely want to do the heating in the garage or other well ventilated area. The plastic smell can be strong.
I place the bullets on a silicon mat before going into the oven. They don't stick to it like they would with metal pans.

Lots of people us the same method to paint their fishing jigs.

These are .358 sized to .356 to fit my 350 Legend.

.

 

[BarryinIN]

Question about powder coating:
What does it do that tumble lubing with Lee Liquid Alox (or equivalent) does not do?
Besides looking a lot better.

I would think the Alox would provide the necessary fuctions better, even if it is ugly.

 

[4stringdude]

I have no experience with Alox. So, I can't respond to your question.

I know that the powder coating greatly reduces leading in your barrel. I don't even use gas checks when powder coating. However, I do not push them at magnum speed.

 

[Frontiersman]

Many treat them the same as a jacketed bullet. No lube, no check, faster speeds. I really need to convert to the process myself. Lol

 

[Billybob44]

Many treat them the same as a jacketed bullet. No lube, no check, faster speeds. I really need to convert to the process myself. Lol

Yes, this is me..
I first got into PC my cast projectiles as a cheaper way to "Feed" my Glocks=9MM+.40 S&W.
I KNOW some shoot plain lead in Glocks, but with all of the warnings out, I do not chance it??

I kind of added my PC calibers, and I would guess that I Coat/shoot more in the .38Spl. than any other now..
With PC, you will get some "Smell" when shooting, but hardly any smoke=Handy for indoor ranges...Bill.

 

[Billybob44]

I have been powder coating cast bullets for a while. When you powder coat, do you size before or after? I have been sizing after the PC, but I'd like to know what others might do.

I do think powder coating is a great way to reduce leading. I also think it makes the bullets look really nice. I've done pink, neon orange and silver metal flake.

All depends on the diameter that your projectiles "Drop" out of your mold??
If they drop too large, you will have to size before AND after the PC..
Most of my molds drop within .001" of desired finished size, so I just PC from right out of the mold, and size to my size spec.
Most of my PC target loads are .38Spl./.357Mag., so my finish size is .358" diameter.

If my mold would drop @ .360" or more, I would have to size before AND after PC, otherwise, it deforms the projectile when running through the size die after the PC process..Bill.

 

[Billybob44]

If you are to PC, do NOT use ANY Lube on your projectiles, or your size dies==Any lube WILL have to be removed to get the PC to "Stick" to the lead..Bill.

 

[Billybob44]

Question about powder coating:
What does it do that tumble lubing with Lee Liquid Alox (or equivalent) does not do?
Besides looking a lot better.

I would think the Alox would provide the necessary fuctions better, even if it is ugly.

Too much smoke/smell of burning candles with Alox, or any other lube.

Also, for me, I have found that the PC actually "Polishes" the bore of your firearms.
After a wet patch, and then a dry patch, NO LEAD, and looks like that I have ran Flitz through the bore==SUPER SLICK...Bill.

 

[BarryinIN]

You guys need to pardon my slowness to adopt such things. I was a believer in moly coating jacketed bullets 30 years ago.
Until I wasn’t.

Now I look at new ideas in projectile coating with some skepticism.