Do you have to run pistol bullets slower if you use cast lead?
I'm trying to be able to shoot these the same speed as factory bullets ( upwards of 2800 fps). With out gas checks if possible.
I found this
To be the easiest way to make the copper sulfate solution as most don't have a magnetic stirrer
.
Add some Chrystal's and some vinegar and shake vigorously until the crystals dissolve. Keep repeating until you fill the bottle or you are satisfied with the amount you have. You can reuse ( recharge) the solution after you plate with it by pouring back into your bottle but be sure to filter it as you pour back. I use a cheep plastic funnel with ( 2 ) cone coffee filters to remove any solids that are in the spent solution.
Clean bullets are paramount to obtaining a good copper coat and all my research on the web never really touch on this subject much. I found that 6% vinegar ( from Wally-world) with 25% alcohol over night gave me the best result, as there are better, faster ways but this is cheap ( like me haha). If you use 75 milliliters of vinegar then add 25 ML alcohol. Leave over night or until it looks like this
When you shake it. This mix seems to work great on the lead opening up the pores. Remove the bullet from the vinegar/alcohol solution and place it in JUST vinegar before you begin to plate.
Apply a thin coat 10-20 minutes depending on your sulfate solution and then tumble them to make sure it's taking. If not, then I suggest leaving them sit longer in vinegar/alcohol.
I will update more as I make more development.
Oh, what are y'all using to lube you bullets? I've made two lubes. One is high temp greas, paraffin, and a couple other oils to thin down and raise adherence. The other the old man came up with is petroleum jelly and melted candles haha. I must say his smells great using vanilla candles! Haha and mine smells like crap. Any observations or comment are welcome.