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robpete
01-26-2014, 06:02 PM
What is the best way to break up the little balls after they get up to temp? I have two coffee cans of ancient no. 6 that is going to meet a 600 degree fate. I only use 7.5 and 8's for trap.....and anyway, the coffee cans were given to me by a buddy that had no use for it. Thanks

Dale53
01-26-2014, 06:22 PM
robpete;
I am not sure of what your question is. When the pellets get up to heat, they melt into one homogeneous liquid.

FWIW
Dale53

JSnover
01-26-2014, 06:27 PM
I've had to crush them with wood dowel. The oxidized surface doesn't melt easily. It's like a high temp shell around the molten led inside. Try getting a pot of lead nice and hot first, then pour the shot into it. That worked fairly well for me.

flounderman
01-26-2014, 06:31 PM
they are worth more than lead, trade them for more lead.

dbosman
01-26-2014, 07:25 PM
Since they are just lead to you, swap them or sell them. Order a bar of 30% antimony from RotoMetals.

Bigslug
01-26-2014, 09:57 PM
Just stir them with a stick. What you've got on the outside is either oxidation (which can melt back in) or graphite coating (which will rise to the top).

bhn22
01-26-2014, 10:00 PM
I've had the graphite coating on some brands leave "shells" too. They break up pretty easily when you squish them with your ladle.

robpete
01-26-2014, 10:38 PM
I'm seeing smashing/smooshing is the way to go. I'll give it a go my next smelting session. I'll probably melt down some range scrap and use the shot as an additive. It's about the same BHN.