Lead And Alloys

[FC]

http://www.rotometals.com/Bullet-Casting-Alloys-s/5.htm

[AzRednek]

Here is a website with a wealth of information on lead, alloys and bullet casting.

 

http://www.lasc.us/CastBulletNotes.htm

[FC]

Thanks for the link. I worry about casting my own bullets because of the hazards of lead. I haven't cast in a long time until yesterday when I used my wood stove in the garage to heat up lead for .68 cal. balls.

[AzRednek]

Thanks for the link. I worry about casting my own bullets because of the hazards of lead. I haven't cast in a long time until yesterday when I used my wood stove in the garage to heat up lead for .68 cal. balls.

 

Tony I haven't cast anything that large in many years. About 25+ years ago friend and I cast up some 72 cal balls for a smooth bore Confederate repo. A touch of tin made the balls turn out more consistent in weight. Casting with pure lead the weight seemed to vary. Been to many years to remember for sure but I think we added a 1 lb 50/50 roll of lead/tin solder to a 20 lb pot. I'm speculating but I assume the tin helped with the flow and helped to eliminate air pockets. My best guess you will need to get the mixture and mold really hot and don't fill it up real fast to help eliminate air pockets.

 

The smooth bore muzzle loader kicked like a mule and any kind of accuracy beyond 30-35 yards was near impossible. At 50 yards I aimed at the top of the head of a man silhouette target and best I recall only about 50% hit the target. Despite the recoil and poor accuracy it was still enjoyable to shoot.