New to casting, purchasing lead ingots for 9mm
- Thread starter adrenaline681
- Start date
- Location
- Vancouver, BC
Metalex just quoted me 4% Antimony lead alloy to 1.67 CAD per pound. They also said this alloy should have around 0.5% of Tin.
Do you guys think it is a good price or can i find something similar cheaper in Vancouver?
Do you guys think it is a good price or can i find something similar cheaper in Vancouver?
I believe they only sell ingots of 60 pounds, so its not like i have any other choice
This is posted on the METALEX website "We sell refined lead and various antimonial lead alloys in minimum quantity of 1,000lb".
Can you actually purchase just a single pig?
M
- Location
- Vancouver, BC
I mailed asking that i would purchase 60 pound ingot, they didnt say no, maybe its because i would pick it up in person. I read other forum thread where someone else went there and purchased just one 60 pound ingot in person.
Definitely go for the 20lb pot as a minimum. The 10 lb pot is tiny.
You maybe can do it a bit cheaper if you scrounge waste lead - but you may still have to buy antimony and tin, and if consider your time and effort, gas, etc, - then you aren't saving a lot. I get Metalex product shipped to AB.
It is surprisingly hard work to cut up lead even with the bow saw. I found a used power hacksaw locally that I haven't used yet but hoping it will make the task easier.
- Location
- Vancouver, BC
Does the price of Metalex alloys fluctuates a lot? I just purchased 5000 CamPro bullets so im not in a hurry to purchase lead right now.
Is it worth it to wait for when the price is lower? If so, does anyone know how can i check when is the best time to purchase without having to mail them every week to get a quote?
Yes you can buy single ingots from Metalex. I used my metal bandsaw to cut it up, took about 20 minutes to cut into 5 pieces, then i smelted everything down and poured into 1/2 & 1lb ingot molds. I went with the 4% antimony, and haven't loaded any to shoot yet, but they poured and casted really nice.
If you start sawing now you just might have enough of that pig cut up to start casting when the 5K of CamPro runs out LOL
M
That might be a bit of an exaggeration, whot?
I can cut up a 60 pounder in an hour or so, but it's not something most people will like doing - actual manly-type work, like lumberjacks and farmers did a couple generations ago. Pretty good workout.
That might be a bit of an exaggeration, whot?
Ya, probably, but when you come to the realization you have to reduce it to 12+ pieces in order for it to fit in your pot, it's pretty intimidating LOL.
The two pieces I manage to liberate still had to be halved with an axe.
M
It is intimidating and takes some of the fun out of casting for sure. I am getting a power hacksaw and I hope it gives me more time casting and less time labouring.
