Chilled #8 lead shot hardness

[whughett]

Had a 25# bag of lead shot hanging around from my trap shooting days. Melted it down and cast into 1# ingots. I cast bullets for both metallic and black powder shooting. Now I know its most likely not pure lead but wondering if its hard enough for 38,44 and 45 caliber bullets. The thumb nail test just doesn't tell me much. I have lots of range scrap lead that I could alloy it with or just cast it straight up?
This bag dates back to the early 80's and is "tower shot". It sure made nice shiny silver ingots.

 

[243winxb]

SAAMI does not have a standard for lead shot. Lawrence brand shot has some info. Antimony content chilled 2% and 5% for magnum. http://www.lawrencebrandshot.com
I have cast 44 mag bullets with #2 shot. But dont remember the brand/type. I oven heat treated a few for a test.

As with any unknow alloy, cast a few and check weight & diameter of the bullet as it drops from the mold. The lighter the bullet, the higher % of antimony. Antimony makes bullets harder, lighter and larger in diameter.

The 22 lr bullet as very little antimony. Match ammo no more then 2% antimony.

Get the correct bullet diameter. Use a good lube and see what happens.

Sorry, not much help.

 

[whughett]

SAAMI does not have a standard for lead shot. Lawrence brand shot has some info. Antimony content chilled 2% and 5% for magnum. http://www.lawrencebrandshot.com
I have cast 44 mag bullets with #2 shot. But dont remember the brand/type. I oven heat treated a few for a test.

As with any unknow alloy, cast a few and check weight & diameter of the bullet as it drops from the mold. The lighter the bullet, the higher % of antimony. Antimony makes bullets harder, lighter and larger in diameter.

The 22 lr bullet as very little antimony. Match ammo no more then 2% antimony.

Get the correct bullet diameter. Use a good lube and see what happens.

Sorry, not much help.

Lots of help actually, you’ve reminded me of some of the basics of bullet casting.