newbie question...

[boatworks]

I have just recently begun to cast boolits for 357, 44 mag, 45 Colt and others and today I saw something that i don't understand. Probably not a big deal, just curious.The top of my molten lead turned purple. I skimmed it off and it did it again a couple of times. I have not seen this in any of the books. Any ideas? Thanks.

[Wolfer]

Pure lead will turn purple. What alloy are you using?

[boatworks]

this pot was a bunch of stuff, BHN about 14, by the Lee tool.

[John Guedry]

You may be a little too hot.

[boatworks]

That could be, it was pushing 800f when I first saw it.Thanks.

[bangerjim]

Purple is "TOO HOT" indicator.

Hurts nothing unless you DO have tin in there. It will "leave your premises" very rapidly if you do not cool it down and do some serious reduction!

banger

[boatworks]

Thanks Banger, I'll keep that in mind!

[white eagle]

oxidation is what it is
you will see it in different forms depending on the alloy you use
skim it off and when it comes back repeat and so forth and so on
its common I see it because I ladle pour and dump excess lead into alloy after the cav's are full
you'll have it but no worries...make boolits ,shoot boolits ect.

[boatworks]

I was able to skim it off, it re-appeared a couple of times. I also noticed it at a lower temp, around 700f. Thanks.