Home Forums Reloading Bullet Casting How do I clean rust on used mold

Picked up a used mold today at a garage sale. It has some light powder rust on the outside and some minor rust spots that are rusted a little more into the metal but not bad. The inside looks good with minor rust like powder. What is the best way to clean these up.?

30-30 Man

I'd first try a pencil eraser and see what you could get off with that and a little oil. I think any rust on the bullet area of the mould will cause slightly deformed bullets. Might not be too bad though until you try casting to see what you get. Maybe you can use the marks on the bullets for aligning the bullets in the bore for more consistent grouping ? I've read where that makes a big difference in some guns but I haven't tried it myself. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Thanks Rolly
I tried the eraser and it did take some off. I aslo put some Rem oil and that did the trick. I have read that all oil should be off the mould if casting.

30-30 Man

Try fine steel wool and WD-40.

Another thing you could try is Scotchbrite. Afterward it wouldn't be a bad idea to clean the mold and apply a cold blueing to the entire mold. It will help somewhat to prevent further rusting. billt

Dittos on the 000 steel wool and WD-40. Yes, you should degrease before casting, a shot of automotive break cleaner does the trick. Give the mold a shot of WD when you're done casting to keep the mold from rusting.

A simple buffing with a small brass brush should clean up light rust.