chilled or not shot

[jhalcott]

poetic ?? any way ,short of scientific analysis ,is there any way to tell if shot is chilled or just dead soft lead?? I have about 100 pounds of shot some reclaimed from a trap range some new. The new shot was poured into cans so the previous owner could use the bags for sand so checking the bags is out! Is there a "pinch test" with pliers that might work, or a melting test. I was planning on melting them into a WW alloy to improve heat treat results.

[MT Gianni]

I would try casting some in a dipper over a torch and test the bullets for hardness. Gianni.

[bobthenailer]

i think all shot is chilled! the arsenic in it is what your after for water dropping or oven heat treating

[beagle]

Think you're right. For the last 30 years or so, I beleive all shot has been offered only as "chilled". Now, the magnum variety has a bit more antimony in the smaller sizes.

When I started loading in the 60s, we were able to get soft and chilled shot. IN 5# bags too. Telling how old I am here.

Cast a few bullets. Place one in a vise and break it in half with a set of plier. If it cracks or acts brittle, it's probably chilled. Shot makes bulllets a bit more brittle than I like them. Better to add a little tin and pure lead./beagle


i think all shot is chilled! the arsenic in it is what your after for water dropping or oven heat treating

[bobthenailer]

hi ck out htpp://www..lasc.us/castbulletnotes.htm it will answer your questions