Silver Melting & Casting for Muzzle Loading Bullets: A Guide

Question
Dear Sirs,

I would like to melt silver bars and cast them in round 50.cal balls used in muzzle loading. The casting mould is a standard bullet mould made of steel. I can use an aluminum mould if needed. I will be using a cutting/heating/welding Oxy-Acetylene torch.  These bullets will be given to a group of kids that study wildlife conservation and leadership in a week long camp.
Thank You,
Matt


Answer
Greetings,

I see no reason why your steel mould wouldn't work, whereas the aluminium one would have far too low a meting point to deal with molten silver.
If you check my previous answers you will find detailed information on how to melt and pour ingots. This will help you quite a lot. I suggest you read this and let me know if there is anything else that you require with information.
Oxy-acetylene is the perfect heat source, when used with a fluxed crucible should pose no problems at all.
You may want to weigh your material to the required amount prior to heat and pour as this will make easier to control the molten metal.
Also with an acetylene only flame, you should blacken the mould prior to commencement which will assist in the pour and release of the bullet.

Thanks, Cheers and Good Luck, Peter