LBT 512-440

[AxeHandle]

These bullets are weighing 460-470 grains out of an alloy that should be 92-6-2.... As soon as the hardness tester arrives I'll have another set of numbers for us..

[Fowler]

That bullet does not look like it filled out right. Base is not square nor are the corners as crisp as LBT bullets should be.

I use WW lead with a touch of tin added, like 8" of Tin solder wire for a 20 pound pot and my LBT molds always fill out if they are warm. I set the base of the mold in the molten lead until the lead falls off and cast away. That would be a reject bullet for me. Typically once the mold is hot I will toss the first 4 or 5 set of bullets and then they should be good from there on.

Also the weights that Veral list seem to be for WW alloy, and that is typically a heavy alloy so I am surprised they cast that heavy but stranger things have happened.

Stan please understand I not trying to bash your bullet just saying it does not look right for a LBT Bullet. I have about 12 of his molds and they are far and away the best available...

Oh I do soot them with a kitchen match once when they are brand new, takes 2 minutes and fills out the bullet easier too...

[AxeHandle]

I appreciate any constructive criticism.... This bullet looks better in real life but the alloy is questionable... The lead pot it came from has been sitting idle for about two years. It may be straight Ebay linotype. I'll run a few with the alloy I worked up last weekend soon... Perhaps they will turn out with sharper edges and weigh closer to 440.....

[jefats]

Axe,

I have two LBT 420 molds similar to your 440, one plain base the other a GC. Since I do not cast the guy that does them for me casts them with an alloy so that they come in at 18 - 20 BHN. The PB weighs 425 and the GC goes 430.

So, it may be your bullet has more lead in the mix making it heavier which will probably go 15 BHN or lower. It's just an educated guess on my part.

Anything in the 400 to 450 grain range is the ticket for the .512"