Need lead?

[axman]

Aug 12, 2023 4:53:01 GMT -5 bigbore5 said:

If it's range scrap, the composition will change melt to melt.

The only way to really use it is to cast some samples and check the hardness. Add type metal or pure to get what you want for hardness.

I have an LBT hardness tester, but often just use the art pencil test for a quick check.
I'll be ordering some. I'm down to my last hundred pounds of wheel weights and have about 80 pounds of hardball. It doesn't last long at 14 bullets a pound.

At that rate I’d only be able to make 120,000 bullets for my 50-70 and 500 LB.

[2 Dogs]

Aug 15, 2023 20:59:39 GMT -5 bigbore5 said:

Aug 15, 2023 20:14:40 GMT -5 2 Dogs said:

Opened my first box today. Ingots look nice and the packaging was very secure. 2 more boxes on the way.

How hard is it?

I’ll have to get around to testing it when I have a free minute…

[x101airborne]

I acidentally dropped one of my ingots and the corner flattened out nicely. It did not mushroom or divot, but took the texture of my concrete well. I would offer a guess at around 11 to 12 BHN. I need to order another box next month.

[bigbore5]

7000gr to a pound, so that 14.4 bullets to a pound of 485's. I shoot about 250 a month, so that's 17-1/3 pounds a month in just the 500 Linebaugh.

Then add the 600+ 170gr 357's, a couple hundred 45's, how many ever 32's, whatever amount of 300blk, 30-30,45-70,etc.

[silcott]

I ran some 240gr 41cal with this lead Saturday. I air cooled and water cooled about a dozen each.

I checked the BHN this evening.

Air cooled: 12-12.5 BHN

Water cooled 15 BHN


Justin

[bigbore5]

Aug 23, 2023 19:03:24 GMT -5 silcott said:

I ran some 240gr 41cal with this lead Saturday. I air cooled and water cooled about a dozen each.

I checked the BHN this evening.

Air cooled: 12-12.5 BHN

Water cooled 15 BHN


Justin

Haven't checked mine yet. Out of town working. But it sounds just right for hollow points.

[silcott]

Bullets were cast cast at 800 degrees

[bearskinner]

I have never checked the hardness of my lead, but I air drop cast bullets, then when I powder coat, I water drop, right out of the oven, for that nice sizzle.

[silcott]

I'm going to powder coat some this evening. I'll powder coat some air cooled and water cooled. I'll air cool, and water cool each. Just to see what they are. I'll post the numbers to help give everyone an idea of what this lead does.


Justin

[axman]

My cousin dropped off a couple he cast in a rcbs 357 mold.
Water dropped = 15 bhn.

[silcott]

Aug 24, 2023 11:23:35 GMT -5 silcott said:

I'm going to powder coat some this evening. I'll powder coat some air cooled and water cooled. I'll air cool, and water cool each. Just to see what they are. I'll post the numbers to help give everyone an idea of what this lead does.


Justin

Powder coated some a little bit ago. I'm going to let them sit, at least 5 days before checking the BHN.


Justin

[bigbore5]

Has anyone checked the hardness yet?

[silcott]

Sept 5, 2023 20:03:28 GMT -5 bigbore5 said:

Has anyone checked the hardness yet?

Air cooled is 12

Water dropped is 15