where to get antimony

[corvette8n]

I smelted some of the lead pipe given to me by a friend, I know this is mostly pure lead, it is really soft. I assume even if I use a gas check I am limited on how fast I can push these thru my .30-30's.
If I get antimony, how do I figure how much to add to my 10 lb pot of lead.
I don't have many ww's left so I don't want to try and mix all this lead.
Do I add the antimony during smelting or to the pot when I am ready to cast.
Any input appreciated.

[wiljen]

Antimony is tough to alloy and not particularly good for you. I would consider using Wheel Weights or one of the 95/5 solders made of 95% tin / 5% Antimony (check to be sure as some contain other less desirable components). I know for certain that Dutch boy 95/5 is Sb/Sn. This is easier than trying to work with pure antimony. Just for the record, don't even consider trying to add arsenic as it is seriously nasty stuff to play with.


Wiljen

[wills]

You can get it from

[Bent Ramrod]

Another way is to buy a sack or two of premium shot and melt that into your lead. Paco Kelley has some formula for hardcast pistol boolits that incorporates such shot in the recipe.

Antimony itself is supposed to dissolve relatively slowly in the lead and require extra heat and extra time to do so. Better to get a lead-antimony alloy already made and dilute it.

[454PB]

Type metals are an excellent source, but are getting to be very hard to find and/or expensive.

[VTDW]

#9 Magnum shot is about 5-6% Antimony IIRC.

Dave