Mixing Lead?

[Alan in WI]

Hey guys! Need a little help here. I have some pure lead that I purchased and some scrap lead as well. With my hardness tester I am finding that I have some pretty hard stuff in the scrap lead. I want to cast bullets for a 45-70 and 45-90. I have read that either a 20-1 or 30-1 works quit well in the Sharps rifles for long range shooting. Seeing I am new to this, can I take 20 pounds of the pure lead and mix it with one pound of the harder lino type lead and end up with the 20-1 ratio? Is there any formula you use when mixing? Thanks for your help.

Alan

[GLL]

Alan:

The 20:1 and 30:1 refer to Pb/Sn ratio. Since your scrap lead is of unknown composition I would set it aside.

Get some pure tin or solder of known Sn content and mix with pure lead accordingly. It will save you some potential problems !

Jerry

[John Boy]

Alan, for a 20# alloy, presuming the scrap is Linotype hardness of Bhn 22:
1:30 ... 4.5# Lino and 15.5# Lead = Bhn 8.8
1:20 ... 6# Lino and 14# Lead = Bhn 10.1

As for the formula, might want to look here ... http://www.theopenrange.net/forum/index.php?topic=1390.0

[Alan in WI]

Thanks guys! I appreciate the help.

Alan

[cajun shooter]

Look in sticky section for Glen Fryxell articles. Loads of info. Also purchase the Lyman Cast Bullet Book. It will answer questions now and later as a reference go to.