My first batch of powder coated bullets are cooling off now. But I have a couple questions:v
Keeping the temp constant isn't happening. Is it better to be a little hot or a little cool? Like fluctuating between 400-410* or 395-405*?
Does the 10 minute timing start from when the powder gets a wet look (around 325*) or from when the temperature gets up to 400?
Can I drop straight into water to harden, or do I have to let them finish curing, then reheat and quench? Will it flake off if I drop them immediately?
Thanks
I put mine in the toaster oven and on my oven I have to set it to 450 to get the thermometer to 400. I think you have to be well over 400 to cause problems, so a bit hotter is better than not enough (within reason) I time 10 minutes from the time they look wet. Drop straight into water.
Do a smash test to see if the powder coat is bonded or flakes.
That 10 minute time starts when the bullet reaches 400 deg but thick heavy bullets take longer. The recommendation to start the clock when the powder coat looks wet is workable, but more time is needed if the bullets are heavy.
I haven't seen any down side from over cooking. Under cooking causes incomplete curing so cycles will run 20-30 minutes.
My oven only hits 400 if the dial is turned all the way up to 450. I use a fiberglass wrap for better efficiency, and there is a lot of heat loss from the window so I cover that too.
I use a BBQ thermometer in the oven to know what the temp really is.
Water dropping may not be necessary or desirable depending on the bullet performance you are after.
Thank you both. On my oven, if I set it at 400, it gets there, but then drops to about 395 before heating up again. At 425, it gets up to about 410, then drops. That why I asked.
I haven't done the smash test, but I can't scrape the stuff off with a knife blade. I guess absolute precision on the time and temp isn't too critical.
Thank you. My second batch is cooling down now. These have pistol bullets, so I haven't quenched any yet.