Another Casting Question - The Firearms Forum

zant · 11-20-2011, 04:09 PM

I have a lot of pure lead-I cast for my ML with it....if I want to cast low velocity-under1000fps-handgun bullets...how much solder do I use per pound of pure lead so I don't lead barrels....Thx

Alpo · 11-20-2011, 04:35 PM

If you go to a plumbing shop and get a one-pound bar of 50/50, that will be one-half pound of tin. If you melt that along with nine pounds of lead in your normal ten-pound pot, you will have a 20:1 mix, which is just about perfect for cast bullets.

myfriendis410 · 11-20-2011, 06:51 PM

I read somewhere that above about 2% tin you gain little or nothing in hardness. You do NOT want to go over about 10% as this will contribute to extreme leading. 5% should be fine, and adding tin will allow you to cast much crisper looking bullets.

I'd also point out that proper size to the barrel will help more than anything else in reducing leading.

JLA · 11-20-2011, 06:56 PM

the bar solder formula Alpo gives is a good one. It will have a BHN of about 12, which is perfect for bullseye velocity. Lyman #2 alloy is made the same way but with 9 pounds WW alloy to 1# 50/50 bar solder, yields a 16 to 1 mix with a BHN of about 15. the 20:1 responds well to quenching, if you find you need slightly harder bullets just drop them right from the mold into a bucket of ice water. 16:1 responds to quenching even better. And the think i like most about quenching is I dont have to mess around with hot bullets.

zant · 11-20-2011, 07:52 PM

Thank you,Gentlemen...as always,when in doubt....ask someone with more knowledge

243winxb · 11-21-2011, 10:51 AM

Linotype, containing antimony & tin is what i use. Antinomy is the main harding metal. 2% Antimony must be in the alloy for water drop harding to work.

11-20-2011, 04:09 PM	#1
zant V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: S.Al Posts: 249	Another Casting Question I have a lot of pure lead-I cast for my ML with it....if I want to cast low velocity-under1000fps-handgun bullets...how much solder do I use per pound of pure lead so I don't lead barrels....Thx -->

11-20-2011, 06:51 PM	#3
myfriendis410 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Lompoc California Posts: 543	Re: Another Casting Question I read somewhere that above about 2% tin you gain little or nothing in hardness. You do NOT want to go over about 10% as this will contribute to extreme leading. 5% should be fine, and adding tin will allow you to cast much crisper looking bullets. I'd also point out that proper size to the barrel will help more than anything else in reducing leading. __________________ Life's too short to shoot an ugly gun.....

11-20-2011, 06:56 PM	#4
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,319	Re: Another Casting Question the bar solder formula Alpo gives is a good one. It will have a BHN of about 12, which is perfect for bullseye velocity. Lyman #2 alloy is made the same way but with 9 pounds WW alloy to 1# 50/50 bar solder, yields a 16 to 1 mix with a BHN of about 15. the 20:1 responds well to quenching, if you find you need slightly harder bullets just drop them right from the mold into a bucket of ice water. 16:1 responds to quenching even better. And the think i like most about quenching is I dont have to mess around with hot bullets. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

11-20-2011, 07:52 PM	#5
zant V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: S.Al Posts: 249	Re: Another Casting Question Thank you,Gentlemen...as always,when in doubt....ask someone with more knowledge

11-21-2011, 10:51 AM	#6
243winxb V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: USA Posts: 106	Re: Another Casting Question Linotype, containing antimony & tin is what i use. Antinomy is the main harding metal. 2% Antimony must be in the alloy for water drop harding to work.

11-20-2011, 04:35 PM	#2
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,662	Re: Another Casting Question If you go to a plumbing shop and get a one-pound bar of 50/50, that will be one-half pound of tin. If you melt that along with nine pounds of lead in your normal ten-pound pot, you will have a 20:1 mix, which is just about perfect for cast bullets. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.