[ghh3rd]

I understand that tin is added to lead to make it harder. Is this required for all guns? It it possible to use 100% lead in something like a .38 snub?

Thanks,

Randy

[rcmodel]

Only at very reduced velocity/pressure.

But tin, rather then hardening the bullet, plays a very important part in getting the mold to fill out properly.
Antimony is used to make the bullets harder.

About is good as it gets cheap is plain old wheel-weights.

Cheaper then pure lead, and harder, just the right amount already.

rc

[NuJudge]

Swaged Lead bullets are fairly pure Lead, with Antimony more often than anything else. As stated above, they work fine at low velocities.

[ghh3rd]

So that's why I have heard so much about wheel weights. If they are just hard enough, than I imagine that a little tin is all needed to make them flow better?

[putteral]

I was just at my recycler today and he had bars of lead with 10% tin. Are these any good for casting .45 & 9mm?

[rcmodel]

I imagine that a little tin is all needed to make them flow betterNo, pure wheel weights work fine just as they are.

They already have a little tin in them so they can cast them into nice looking wheel weights! Wheel weights vary, but usually run 3-4% antimony and about 0.5% tin and a BHN of 10-12. This is about perfect for most standard velocity use.



my recycler today and he had bars of lead with 10% tin.Got to wonder how he knows that?
If it is melted recycle scrap it could have anything in it.
Some good, some bad.

Unless he can somehow guarantee it's pure lead & tin in the percentage he says it is, I might be tempted to pass. Be hard to make it right with further alloying without knowing what is wrong.

rc

[bullseye308]

Pure lead is great for black powder. WW's are great for most pistol calibers under 1200fps or so.

Antimony is added to pure lead to harden it. Tin is added to lower the melting point of lead and help it flow better to fill out the mold.

It it possible to use 100% lead in something like a .38 snub?


Yep, it's doable. Just keep the velocity low and watch for leading.

I was just at my recycler today and he had bars of lead with 10% tin

2-4% tin is what you are "shootin'" for(pun intended), any more is just a waste of tin.