wheel weight questions

[coalgeo]

I am new to this so I have lots of basic questions! Anyway, I picked up about 50 lbs. of wheel weights from the local garage. Most appear to have the metal clip but some appear to be of the stick on type. What is the best way to clean each type. Also, have wheel weights varied in composition or do they still need about one lb. of tin to 19 lbs. of WW to make No. 2 alloy.
Thanks
Greg

[Adam10mm]

www.lasc.us has your blending answers and is a wealth of knowledge.

I just melt them down and scoop out the steel clips. Take those back to the recycler.

[deboog93]

The stick on weights are not the best to use if you can avoid. For some reason they take longer to melt. I try to stick to the clip on type and just cast bullets with them.

[pumpguy]

The stick on type take longer to melt because they are close to pure lead. You can add this to the mix to soften your boolits or save them up and trade them to your black powder friends. Made sure you trade melted for melted weights. If you trade them unprocessed WWs for stick ons, you are going to lose 30-40% after you melt them down and remove the clips.

[waksupi]

The stick on weights are not the best to use if you can avoid. For some reason they take longer to melt. I try to stick to the clip on type and just cast bullets with them.

The reason the stick ons take longer to melt, is because they are pure lead. Wheel weights are an alloy, which lowers the melting point.

[bullshot]

So if one had a whole crap load of stick on weights what percentage of tin would have to be added to arive at No 2 alloy?

[imashooter2]

So if one had a whole crap load of stick on weights what percentage of tin would have to be added to arive at No 2 alloy?

5% tin (easy) and 5% antimony (not so easy).

[reloader89]

where can you get tin and antimony?

[imashooter2]

Tin is lead free solder, any home store will have it. Antimony is tougher. Try online at theantimonyman.com.

[38 Super Auto]

where can you get tin and antimony?

I'd check your local scrap metal dealer. I find linotype chunks or a similar lead alloy that is very hard for $.65/lb. :coffee:

[coalgeo]

Thanks for the information guys. Freakshow10MM - thanks for the Lasc link. Interesting site.
Greg

[crabo]

I keep my stick ons and regulars separate. I have learned to never say never, because I may end up getting a 4570 someday and want some pure lead to shoot in it. I don't really want one now, but.........

[Three44s]

Thoughts from the "competiton"!!!


http://www.rutuonline.com/html/wheel_weights.html


Three 44s

[buckndee]

Thaughts from the competition on WW was very informative. I read further on the site about casting an 8600lb keel. Now that brings up the question, how much powder would it take to launch that projectile to say 1200fps? Penetration and striking energy should be more than adequate for any you would kill!! Ow my the recoil, OUCH!!

[mosin9130]

Mmmm... I don't know exactly how much powder you'll try to use with your 8600lb projectile, but i suspect that your projectile will move few yards an YOU will travell back from California to another Contry outside US!!!! ;-)