How important is the hardness of lead shot?

OverUnder725

OverUnder725

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The way I understand it, the larger the pellet, softer lead can be as there is less deformation due to mass when fired. So, the smaller the pellet with less mass require a harder lead alloy to maintain shape. Feel free to correct me if I have this wrong.

I have read information that Antimony added at 5% - 6% would yield a suitable alloy for making #7.5 #8 shot.

I see Superhard (30% Antimony - 70% lead) is available from Rotometals in the U.S. but shipping is a deal breaker. I have seen pure Antimony available in Canada but from what I have read, adding it to the lead can be a real pain. Does any one know of a source for a similar product to Superhard offered buy a Canadian company?

The lead I am using is pure sheet lead. Will it be to soft to be effective in target loads?

Any input appreciated!
 
Do not even try pure lead for the purpose described above. You'll waste your time and gather lots of frustration. The best lead for making shot for trap is COWW. It has just enough antimony to be suitable for your purpose. Also do not try to melt pure antimony in pure lead as the antimony melting temperature will require to bring your pure lead to the boiling point and that equals with sheit hitting the fan. If you want to alloy pure lead then get some linotype and raise that alloy hardness to 12-13 BNH.
There is no need in any casting situation for temperature more than 800F. I know my furnaces have all 850F on the dial but let's not go there with the chat.
Making shot it's a trial and error process. Takes time and has a learning curve. You will get good at it in time. Just take your time. What works for you may not work for others as we all do the things in different ways even if we describe as not doing it different.
Bottom line: get yourself a 5 gallon bucket full of COWW, sort it, smelt it, flux it, flux it again, pour some very clean ingots and then start your shot making session. That's the starting point: proper alloy very clean in small ingots.
What shot maker do ya have? Littleton or Oasis?
 
Great information MM. I have some WW in muffin ingots already that I will use to start with. I have access to large quantities sheet lead and will have to use it some how. Maybe I will have to trade it for WW material. I ordered the Oasis.
 
The Oasis unit needs warm ambient temperature to work properly. It's the most sensitive to temperature. The Littleton also has this issue. They both have the melting pan made of aluminium which is it known to disperse the heat fast.
The best units are Jim Stewart ones but they are nowhere to be found as the owner has serious health problems. Those have cast iron pans and work with 220V. These are very expensive.
In your case watch temperature and alloy. Keep the lead sheets aside for other projects and get yourself COWW. SOWW are not good. When you sort the buckets put the SOWW aside along with the sheets. Only COWW. Make sure the ingots are very clean otherwise you'll clog the drippers with impurities.
Keep working on it and have fun. You are on your way to reload for shotgun as cheap one can get. Buying your own shot maker was a wise decision. Good job.
 
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