Swaging
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Swaging is a forging process in which the dimensions of an item are altered using dies into which the item is forced. Swaging is usually a cold working process, but also may be hot worked.
A selection of blacksmithing swages
Rotary swaging machine
Cast bullet
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A cast bullet is made by allowing molten metal to solidify in a mold. Most cast bullets are made of lead alloyed with tin and antimony, but zinc alloys have been used when lead is scarce. Most commerc
Swaging
…make their own bullets usually are not aware of available manual specialized equipment and dies required for swaging bullets, and thus choose to make cast bullets. To get high precision results, it is common to cast the bullets slightly oversized, then swage the resulting castings through a die to do the final…
Minié balls of the mid-19th century could be either cast or swaged.
A pair of French, 19th century Duelling pistols. The set of accessories includes a small casting ladle and a bullet mold, so the owner may make their own bullets, Philadelphia Museum of Art (2009)
A selection of historic, British military ammunition. The center two are .577/450 Martini–Henry paper-patched rounds