Lead for Casting

M Hamlyn

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Just getting into casting bullets. I have a 45:70 BPCR and I was wondering what kind of lead to start out with. Wheel Weights, Linotype, Etc? Any idea where to get Lino type? What are other using? Is there a good source for lead here in Canada? Your comments are appreciated.
 
i used to get mine in ingots from the junk yard- fairly dead cheap too- then use lymans recipie for mix 2, and you're away- that's got the antimony and stuff in it- the lino type thing used to be from when they set newspapers- but i always ran into that the paper sold the lino to the junkyards for scrap value-the weelwights are exactly what they sound like - weights used for balancing the tires on your car- most garages have them, and they do throw them out- but getting enough or somebody to save them for you has always been a pain-there's also the possiblilty of lead poisoning from the fumes when casting, so i just get commercial ones- you don't have all the hassel of getting the mix just right , getting a heat source hot enough, etc
 
Mr. Hamlyn:

If I may be so bold, I would suggest that before you start your journey into Black powder Cartridge, that have a look at several of the books written by Paul Mathews. They are a wealth of good information, by someone who has actually figured these tips out the hard way. He addresses a lot of issues like alloy, lubrication, bullet molds, shooting, and loading practices.

I used to have several of his books, and in a moment of poor judgement, sold them on the Exchange forum. I now have a rule that I will never sell reference material again, as you never know when old interests will flare up again LOL.

If memory serves, (it has been some time) I believe that Mr. Mathews found that softer than normal alloys worked best for him. He started with a 1 in 30 ( 1 part tin to 30 parts lead) mix, and slowly increased, and after much experimentation, ended up working a lot with a 1 in 20 mix.

I suggest you google him to find out the titles, and refer to Amazon.ca as I believe they carry those books.

Regards and all the best

R
 
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