lead for casting question

icecold

icecold

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Hello guys, I want to cast some of my own bullets, or at least I am preparing for the event by collecting used lead. So I have a question or two.
1. I understand that lead from used batteries are a no no. Ok that sounds reasonable as battery acid is foul at best, but what really is the reason?
2. I have a ton of lead line from used seine web, does any one know if it is acceptable as a source, or am I stuck scrounging around tire shops for wheel lead.
 
"...really is the reason..." That is the real reason. Take apart a car battery and you're left with a toxic liquid to dispose of safely. More trouble than it's worth.
"...from used seine web..." That should do nicely. Might be full of other stuff, but so are wheel weights. I think, but am certainly not sure, that tire shops are being paid for wheel weights now. Wouldn't hurt to ask a few though.
No casting lead inside. Your casting place requires lots of good ventilation. Know a guy who didn't and ended up with lead poisoning. He had to quit handgun shooting for a year. Part of his problem was his job, but he was casting in his basement with no ventilation.
 
icecold said:
Hello guys, I want to cast some of my own bullets, or at least I am preparing for the event by collecting used lead. So I have a question or two.
1. I understand that lead from used batteries are a no no. Ok that sounds reasonable as battery acid is foul at best, but what really is the reason?
Click to expand...

Melting battery lead can release arsine gas, and that's bad! See:

http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=31768

for more details of what arsine gas is and does.

I would suggest returning the batteries to a scrap yard and perhaps see if they might trade them for some wheel weights.
 
"...and that's bad..." is being gentle. Arsine gas is a combination of arsenic metal and hydrogen gas. It destroys red blood cells and can kill you. Slowly, from asphyxiation a few days after the exposure.
 
Yup battery lead is a no no due to arsenic, short of a bullet hardness tester it is difficult to determine what is in your lead, for good qual. hard cast bullets ..add tin..it also helps the melt flow for better casting.....the best way to control content is to use pure lead and pure tin!! We order it that way from the smelter and control composition from the outset.....We use 30-1 mix for BPCR and 10-1 for hunting bullets, 20-1 for cowboy action bullets, other mixes if one req. heat treatment!!
 
lead from seine

If you've got tons of seine lead your probably good for years.....don't be worried about its composition.........have used some myself and works fine under 1400 fps............wanna go faster, add some of what the other gents have mentioned....

As stated , stay away from battery lead for health concerns.......only cast outdoors or in a very ventilated room/area!!!!!!!!


An "aside " to mr hunchak: .... .. You usually offer a line or two of sound advice in every post you respond to and then you make mention of " we recommend this or that and you should add this or that to cast bullets" for 70% of your response

It sounds like a commercial.......is that what you do for a living, cast and sell bullets................inquireing mind(s) would like to know...

hs 4570 .............your mileage may vary
 
Absolutely!! Best bullets you'll ever see!! The info is free, the test results are free, nothing fancy, just good shootin'!!
 
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