G11354
Member
Considering casting bullets for my 500 S&W. Is lead hard to come by and what are ideal sources?
http://www.tirereview.com/when-if-lead-is-banned/ - 2014 ... I cant find any 2016 info?2011- California, Illinois, Washington, Maine, Vermont and New York – have banned the use of lead wheel weights.
Go to RotoMetals and get known Lyman #2Considering casting bullets for my 500 S&W...
Best place I know of for finding lead these days is the berm of ranges. After a good rain and time for the dirt to dry is a good time to go.
Before the OP starts alloying anything, does he have a Hardness Tester ?
Without one, he's flying blind
http://www.redding-reloading.com/online-catalog/88-bullet-moulds-chartsBullet Sizes & Weights – How to Vary Them
The bullet diameters and weights presented in this list are based on the use of Taracorp’s Lawrence Magnum bullet alloy (2% tin, 6% antimony, 1/4% arsenic, 91.75% lead).
Bullet diameters and weights will vary considerably depending on the lead casting alloy used. This variation can be as much as 1/2% on the diameter, and 8% on the weight among the most commonly used casting alloys. For example, a .358-158 grain bullet might show a diameter variation of .002", and a 13 grain difference in weight.
Of the most commonly used alloys, wheel weights (.5% tin, 4% antimony, 95% lead) will produce bullets having the smallest diameter and heaviest weight, with such bullets running approximately 1/3% smaller in diameter and 3% heavier than bullets cast with Taracorp's metal. Linotype will produce bullets with the largest diameter and lightest weights. This alloy will produce bullets approximately 1/10% larger and 3% lighter than Taracorp. Other alloys of tin and antimony, with antimony content above 5%, will produce bullets with diameters and weights falling between those cast f rom wheel weights and linotype.
Alloys containing little or no antimony will cast considerably smaller than wheel weights and in some cases will produce bullets too small for adequate sizing.
Within the limitations given above, the weight and diameter of a cast bullet can be adjusted by varying the
alloy’s antimony content.
The size and weight of bullets of a given alloy will also vary according to casting temperature. Higher temperatures will result in greater shrinkage as the bullet cools, thereby producing a slightly smaller and lighter bullet than one cast of the same alloy at a lower temperature
I have never done it but I understand it is a pain and has more risk that other potential sources. You have to get rid of the sulfuric acid. Then the plates inside are full of (I think) lead sulfate which will end up being dross that floats to the top.What about lead from batteries?
Edit: Never mind, I just answers my own question. Too many noxious impurities
Before the OP starts alloying anything, does he have a Hardness Tester ?
Without one, he's flying blind -- especially with batch-to-batch casting and use in the like of a 500.
While I agree that you don't need one, it sure makes life easier. Most of my lead has come from places like ebay where, even though they give an estimated BHN, you don't know the mix or the actual BHN.You do not need a hardness tester. I cast for rifles and don't have one. People like to make things more complicated than they need to be. There are lead alloy calculators that will give you an idea of how hard your lead is. This is all that's really needed.
Alloy must contain 2% antimony to work. This works when i tried it, but sizing without lube cant be done. Lube must be removed before putting in oven. I never used a hardness tester. Thumb nail works fine.Q: Is there anything I can do to make the bullets harder?
A: Cast bullets can be heat treated to increase their hardness providing your alloy has some antimony present. To heat treat your bullets: Cast your bullets in the normal manner, saving several scrap bullets. Size your bullets but do not lubricate them. Place several scrap bullets on a pan in your oven at 450 degrees and increase the temperature until the bullets start to melt or slump. Be sure to use an accurate oven thermometer and a pan that will not be used again for food. Once the bullets start to melt or slump, back off the temperature about 5 to 10 degrees and slide in your first batch of good bullets. Leave these in the oven for a half hour. Remove the bullets from the oven and plunge them into cool water. Allow them to cool thoroughly. When you are ready to lubricate, install a sizing die .001" larger than the one used to initially size them. This will prevent the sides of the bullets from work-softening from contact with the sizing die. Next apply gas checks if required and lubricate. These are now ready for loading.