CASTING BULLETS. 351 



" Running from the point is, in my opinion, better than 

 from the side or edge of the base, because the bullet is 

 usually cast more uniform on surface, and so slight an un- 

 even ness at the point as is left where the neck is carefully 

 removed is not sufficiently acted upon to influence its flight; 

 but no bullet having an open air-hole at the point should be 

 used. Running at the side is objectionable on account of 

 the difficulty of removing the burr so accurately as to pre- 

 vent its rendering the bullet hard to ram down, should the 

 point at which it was run happen to come opposite to one of 

 the lands in loading. 



" Some moulds are made in which bullets of various 

 lengths may be cast by the adjustment of the plunger, which 

 is fitted on a screw passing through a plate tapped to receive 

 it, and secured to the lower part of one cheek of the mould. 

 On the screw a nut works, by which it is clamped in any 

 position. In these moulds the run-hole is generally at the 

 point, but might be placed at the side if desired. They 

 would be useful to such persons as propose using the 

 Pritchett bullet, as slightly increased length to that formerly 

 adopted in the service, since by altering the adjustment 

 various lengths might be cast and experimented with, and 

 that which yielded the best results, with the particular 

 pattern of rifle adopted, determined on. 



" Mr. Lancaster's is the best description of mould that has 

 yet appeared, the only objection to it being its expense; but 

 as it would not be necessary for a volunteer corps to have 

 more than one or two to supply its members from, the 

 question of cost is not a material one. 



"WELSHMAN." 



Agreeing as I do with every syllable of the contents of 

 this letter, I need make no further remarks upon the 

 subject. 



CASTING BULLETS. 



Having the mould ready, the lead should be melted to the 

 proper heat, which experience alone can indicate, in an iron 

 ladle with a fine lip to it, and all impurities being skimmed 

 off, it should be carefully poured into the mould, holding the 



