[Griz44]

Anyone tried to plate a lead bullet? From what little I can find, the process is simple, just put the lead in the solution, and reduce it (heat?) As the carrier solution is reduced, it deposits the copper on the lead. Anyone know anything about this or know where to get the solutions?

[janobles14]

probably copper sulfate but i have no idea other than chem class for where to get it

[hoptob]

Griz,

I don't think you want to try it at home. They use cyanides in large quantities - not exactly a homeowner-friendly chemical. :eek: Check this out - http://www.berrysmfg.com/faq.php

Mike

[ants]

Berry's and Xtreme (and probably Rainier) use electroplating. If it's still on the web site, Xtreme has a much more detailed explanation of their plating process. Cyanide is used in electroplating, but not electroless.

In electroless plating, the solution generally has a short life and must be disposed as hazardous waste. That would probably drive the price of electroless plated bullets higher than fmj, with no gain in performance. Too bad, because electroless can be controlled very finely.

Let us know if you learn more about it.

[rcmodel]

Not to mention, where are you going to get under-size lead bullets so they will be the right diameter after the plating?

rcmodel

[Eric F]

I would sugest looking at eastwoods, they are a tool/metal fabricating dealer. They use to sell chrome coper and zink plating kits. About $100 or so each. I had the chrome kit and the zinc kit worked pretty well but I am not sure how it will do with bullets.

[Bruce H.]

Companies that make copper plated bullets use electrolytic plating processes instead of electroless plating because of the much greater plating rate of electrolytic plating. Electroless plating processes are very slow. It takes a long time to plate any appreciable thickness of copper in an electroless bath. The plating rate of an electrolytic copper bath is probably ten times that of an electroless solution.

[hoptob]

Cyanide is used in electroplating, but not electroless. That's correct, Ants. I was talking about electrolysis not electroless - thought that's what OT meant to ask. I don't know if anyone is using electroless for plating bullets; not sure if it's even possible.

Mike