shot of unknown origin

[kooz]

I have a couple 10lb bags of shot that look like they were used as anchors for a while. I would like to melt them down, are there any types of shot to stay away from? is there any chance that these could contaminate an otherwise good batch of alloy ?

[TCLouis]

with the price of shot, it is likely that you might well be lead ahead to sell/trade the shot and get lead for your lead needs. I don't use any, but apparently lead has gone up in price lately.

[JIMinPHX]

Shot is about $50/25# bag now so trading may be an option. If not, then add 6” of 95/5 lead free solder to each pound of shot & you will have a dandy alloy that will likely cast about 13bnh air cooled & 23bnh water dropped.

[joatmon]

Any chance it's #12?

[kooz]

Any chance it's #12?

No, it's much bigger than that and is a mix of many sizes.

[John Boy]

...are there any types of shot to stay away from? is there any chance that these could contaminate an otherwise good batch of alloy ?
No to both Q's

Kooz, There are 2 types of shot: chilled and magnum. Your going to have to melt some and test it for hardness.

Chilled is 98% Pb and up to 2% SB ... Bhn = 5.5
Magnum is 95% Pb and 5% SB ... Bhn = 6.5

So, your in the neighborhood of pure lead.

[mroliver77]

I would add about 2% tin and cast away. 96% lead 2% tin & 2% antimoney water dropped would make some nice pistol or hunting rifle boolits for me.
J

[kooz]

Thanks for your help.