Re-using Range Salvage Lead

[The Cold Lake Kid]

I salvaged some lead from our berm, washed it off, melted it down and cast it into ingots for future use.
I was told afterward, that this recovered lead, cast into bullets, likely contained sand particles that would/could scratch the bore of the firearm it was used in.
I thought any impurities or sand etc would float up and be taken off when I stirred and fluxed the lead in the pot.
Anybody know for sure?

 

[yodave]

all of the contaminent should float out when fluxed properly. If you aren't sure that your meathod is working then I would suggest getting a bottom pour pot, melt big batches of range lead and pour ingots then cast bullets with a bottom pour electric pot.

 

[Andy]

I've done it many times. Works fine.

 

[Polish-Jack]

You are correct. Just make sure to scrape the sides of whatever you are using to melt the Pb, making sure any impurities that got stuck also float to the top.

 

[The Cold Lake Kid]

Thanks guys. I thought I was on the right track but it never hurts to check.
I'm using a bottom pour Lyman pot and I run it dry and clean it each time I'm finished, so I think things should be OK
And I've ended up with a little over 35 lb of good lead!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[kjohn]

Go for it!! Common sense approach will take care of most problems. I'd hate to try to guess at how much sand I've fired though my handguns!! Salvage away, my friend.

 

[hunter64]

Just be careful when you are melting the range scrap that it is good and dry. When I get range scrap I always melt it outside away from anything and I melt it from a bone dry pot so that if there is any water in it, the water will be evaporated before the lead melts. You defiantly don't want to be visited by the tinsel fairy.

 

[Aries-]

if melted down properly and fluxed properly. all the contaminents will float to the surface. as most sontaminents you will find in the berm are going to be lighter than lead.

and i agree with the watch when melting it. if you get a FMJ in there with an air pocket between the lead and the jacket, it could pop and send molten lead spraying everywhere.

 

[The Cold Lake Kid]

Just be careful when you are melting the range scrap that it is good and dry. When I get range scrap I always melt it outside away from anything and I melt it from a bone dry pot so that if there is any water in it, the water will be evaporated before the lead melts. You defiantly don't want to be visited by the tinsel fairy.

A BIG Amen to that Brother.
I found that out one time about 40 years ago.
Lost a little hair in the process as well!