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redgum
09-16-2008, 06:14 PM
I've been thinking about bismuth shot, since it is available in shotshells as a lead replacement. (lead shot is banned here in a lot of wetlands)
Would this stuff alloy readily with lead to increase the hardness where linotype is unavailable?
Is this idea feasible?

deltaenterprizes
09-16-2008, 07:04 PM
Yes,it has 93% density of lead and has a similar melting point,expensive though.

runfiverun
09-16-2008, 10:20 PM
bismuth will harden your boolits, i would just water drop them and save the money for more
ww's or antimony to mix with your lead.

Ricochet
09-17-2008, 03:21 PM
I haven't tried deliberately adding bismuth, but have looked into it a bit. The Metals Handbook has a section on lead-bismuth alloys. It does harden the metal, but by mixing like tin, so it'll take a lot. Lead and bismuth are mutually solid-soluble over a wide range, so it wouldn't quench harden.

redgum
09-17-2008, 05:21 PM
Ricochet: I was also wondering if it has any anti-flow properties like Iv'e read about copper and other metals in some pewters.
Anyway thanks for the input guys, it does sound cost prohibitive

Ricochet
09-17-2008, 05:39 PM
I wouldn't think so, since it fully mixes with lead.

Linstrum
09-17-2008, 05:46 PM
Bismuth also alters the melting point to unacceptably low levels. Some of the bismuth alloys like Cerro Safe/Cerro Bend melt right around the boiling point of water.


rl434