This is my first attempt with two of my new aluminum molds, one NOE two cavity for 44 Mag (434421) and the other Accurate two cavity for my 458 Win (460350V / 460360J). Also my first time using my new PID.
The alloy uses is 95-2.5-2.5. I pre-heated the mould to 300 deg. and the lead to 720. Fluxed with sawdust. The one on the left is sized, other 4 as cast. Almost all had real trouble filling out, even when they became frosted. On the 44 I used the NOE thermometer probe and it reached 500 deg. At one point I turned the PID down to about 680. Still frosting without good fill.
I have been casting since BC and don't recall having this much difficulty. Other than a Brass 45 Auto mould from Accurate, all my moulds have been iron, from single cavity to four's. Also, almost all of my casting has been either pure COWW from 30 years ago+, or Lyman No 2 Alloy. BHN is 10-11 according to SAECO.
Prior to use, per NOE instructions I did the heat-cool cycle three times, cleaned blocks with carb cleaner followed by a good scrubbing with dawn in hot water.
Any thoughts/ suggestions about what I'm doing wrong?