Babbit question from a new guy.

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SkytopBrewster

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Wondering if anyone can help me make sense of these stampings, I can get this stuff for free. Discovered today I have free access to a lot of pure lead pipe. I have ordered some tin ingots but If I can use this stuff to harden up my lead that would be a huge bonus for me. Have been unable to obtain free wheel weights and don't want to start buying stuff, thanks.

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ASTM B23 - 00(2014)
Standard Specification for White Metal Bearing Alloys (Known Commercially as “Babbitt Metal”)

Active Standard ASTM B23 | Developed by Subcommittee: B02.02

Book of Standards Volume: 02.04
Format Pages Price
PDF 4 $38.00 ADD TO CART
Hardcopy (shipping and handling) 4 $38.00 ADD TO CART

Abstract

This specification deals with eight typical white metal bearing alloys, in bar or ingot form, known commercially as "Babbitt metal." Covered in this specification are tin-based alloys, namely, UNS-L13910 (alloy no. 1), UNS-L13890 (alloy no. 2), UNS-L13840 (alloy no. 3), and UNS-L13870 (alloy no. 11); and lead-based alloys, namely, UNS-L53585 (alloy no. 7), UNS-L53565 (alloy no. 8), UNS-L53346 (alloy no. 13), and UNS-L53620 (alloy no. 15). Materials shall be manufactured in accordance with such practice as to obtain the chemical composition, weight, and dimensions as prescribed herein.

This abstract is a brief summary of the referenced standard. It is informational only and not an official part of the standard; the full text of the standard itself must be referred to for its use and application. ASTM does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents of this abstract are accurate, complete or up to date.

1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers eight typical white metal bearing alloys, in bar or ingot form, known commercially as “babbitt metal.” The alloys are specified, covering the range commercially used, and are designated by the alloy numbers shown in Table 1.
(A) Alloy Number 9 was discontinued in 1946 and numbers 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 16, and 19 were discontinued in 1959. A new number 11, similar to SAE Grade 11, was added in 1966.

Assuming that in your top picture the stamp is supposed to indicate babbitt alloy "No. 4", those are old bars.

According to Rotometals, "#4 Hardware Babbitt is a low melting point speed Babbitt consisting of approximately 85% Lead, 13% Antimony and 2% Tin. It's melting temperature is around 473F Degrees. "

You could melt what you have and see if the temperature matches that number. The No. 4 alloy they describe would be very very good for hardening bullets if mixed 1:1, 2:1 or 3:1 with pure lead. You could even cast it straight for very hard rifle bullets.
 
Thanks, that is the same info I found as well, I just find it hard to believe they are that old. Will Call the rig supply place and see what they have on the shelf. We use it for pouring sandline cable sockets.
 
Good find!
There's a castboolit forum out there that has a vast amount of information if you need more ideas.
The high antimony content should harden up pure lead effectively. Tin mostly just helps with mold fill out.

What are you planning to cast for?
 
Will be starting with 45 ACP as that is what I shoot the most. I have a bolt action 458 Socom I will try second once I get the hang of things. Yes, joined cast boolits and posted same question there, thanks!
 
The stuff is pretty common on the rigs, every rig has a few of these stashed in the tool-room. It's one of those things that seldom gets used and nobody really cares if one or two go missing :)
 
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