range lead hardness

[dodger59]

I have acquired quite a lot of lead from an indoor range. I have found the typical hardness to be between 12 - 14. I was pleasantly surprised to find the hardness this high. Would this be considered typical hardness for range lead?

 

[hatman1793]

I think not.
12-14 BHN raw range lead turned into ingots is not typical. I would really like that. The indoor range does not allow any centerfire rifles save PCC carbines, so the BHN is usually around 7-11.

 

[Janeau]

You should question your tester. Jacketed bullet core lead is usually close to pure lead - 5 -7 max.
Clip on WW get you 9 -10 in a good day.

Unless everybody at your range shoot magnum revolver and rifle lead bullets then you might have better luck, but the majority shoot jacketed bullet and range lead is soft even for low speed .45 acp bullets.

 

[yomomma]

From the Excel hardness calculator

Range lead is about 10 (assumption its combo rifle and handgun)
Clip on wheel weights about 12 (assumption that any pure stick on have been removed)

 

[B]

I really doubt your lead is that hard. The stuff I dig out of my berm and melt down comes out around 8 and there is always some pretty hard stuff in the mix.