What is Hard Cast?

[YammyMonkey]

What is it that makes a bullet "hard cast?"

Thanks.

 

[mathyoo]

Right after casting the bullet you dip it in oil to harden it, I think.

 

[trapperjohn]

i am pretty sure it is an alloy, antimony is mixed in with the lead to make it harder

 

[Joejojoba111]

I thought bullets Were antimoney, the two substances never seem to exist together?

 

[mete]

Lead is very soft .To get it hard you can add other elements to make an alloy, such as tin or antimony. Some alloys can be further hardened by heat treating.

 

[Mal H]

Now that's funny, Joe! Actually, guns in general are antimoney.

Yeah, it's the alloy used that makes it hard cast. Pure lead is very soft as bullets go. Other metals are added in relatively small amounts to harden the alloy. Tin and antimony are the most commonly used additives. Oregon Trails even adds a little silver, but I think that's because a trace mount of silver is already in the ore from their mines.

[Edit]
I've to start typing faster. Scooped again!