Just scored about 30lbs of free solder lead, what ratio should I do for hard-cast?

[AZPaul]

I'm pretty sure it is the 70/30 solder, what should I mix with it to get some good hard cast bullets from it?

[Bzcraig]

What are you going to mix it with WW, pure lead or what?

[runfiverun]

antimony.

[Jim]

Tin doesn't help much in the hardness department. It just reduces the surface tension of the melt, making for better fill-out. Like Run said, if you want 'em hard, add antimony.

[mdi]

A good place to look; http://castboolits.gunloads.com/forumdisplay.php?57-Lead-and-lead-alloy-s

[jmort]

Hard-cast is a term with little meaning here but in the outside world it might be generically used for "hardball" - 96/4/2 which is favored by bullet manufacturers. I would read up on heat treating or water quenching. At about 4% to 6% antimony you will have "hard cast." I stop at 2% tin regardless as it costs so much $$$. +1 to all the above information.

BTW, why do you want "hard-cast" ? Is it for high pressure ammunition? Is it for a really tough/dangerous target? That would help get the answer. You don't want brittle bullets.

[AZPaul]

I'm sorry It is actually 73 tin/ 37 lead. I would like to make lead bullets for 10mm. what would I add to it?
I have plenty of WW lead.

[Lizard333]

I would add the tin to your ww lead to get it to 2% tin and water drop to get a little extra hardness for the 10mm. You should be in good shape.

[AZPaul]

I tried the WW lead with dropping it in ice water when molding it along with molly coat and Lee lube and while using tightgroup powder and it leading up my G27 barrel something fierce.

[gimling]

I tried the WW lead with dropping it in ice water when molding it along with molly coat and Lee lube and while using tightgroup powder and it leading up my G27 barrel something fierce.

Did you size the bullets?? Or slug the barrel to get a measurement? Leading isn't because your lead is to hard or to soft. sounds like a gas leak to me.

[Lizard333]

Did you size the bullets?? Or slug the barrel to get a measurement? Leading isn't because your lead is to hard or to soft. sounds like a gas leak to me.

This is my thought. Proper fit for me is the number one priority. I start at .001 over my measured slug and go up from there.

[MtGun44]

63/37, must add to 100. ;-)

Bill