I have a line on a bunch of "slightly used" size BB lead shot. It was used in BB guns at a midway, so while it may be a little deformed, it's not dirty. I picked up 2 25lb bags this morning (one was a Hummason bag, can't remember what the other was) for $10 a bag. Has anyone here used lead shot it to cast pistol and rifle bullets? I thinking mainly 45 Colt in pistol and some large bore black powder era rifle cartridges (577 Snider, 50-95, etc) - nothing moving too fast. They guy has close to a thousand pounds of the stuff - is it worth going back for more at that price?
Casting with Lead Shot - Any Issues?
- Thread starter Killer Kanuck
- Start date
40 cents a pound isn't great or bad, and there's always the opportunity for a quantity discount. It's hard to say what it is - it could be anything from pure lead (if it's for BB guns and not shotguns), to something pretty hard. Easy to transport and smelt, and being clean (unlike wheelweights) are big advantages.
I'd try to get more info on what it is from the manufacturer. If that's not possible, smelt some of what you have down and do a hardness test. Then set up a deal.
I'd try to get more info on what it is from the manufacturer. If that's not possible, smelt some of what you have down and do a hardness test. Then set up a deal.
vagrantviking
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- High River, Alberta
I would be tempted to get all I could carry and use/sell it for shotgun use. Might not be much demand now that you can't use lead for waterfowl though.
Barring that it should be good for casting. Hard to say how hard it would be but I think most shot is harder than pure lead.
One thing to remember is that shot often has higher levels of arsenic than other lead. Its added to make the forming process work better apparently.
Barring that it should be good for casting. Hard to say how hard it would be but I think most shot is harder than pure lead.
One thing to remember is that shot often has higher levels of arsenic than other lead. Its added to make the forming process work better apparently.
My thoughts exactly. I'll have to dig out the little Lee production pot I picked up a couple years back and try some. Anyone have any "hardness testing for dummies" advice?
