Range scrap question

[R.Newman]

I got some range scrap lead from a friend.I have never smelted
any before and have some questions.
1. There are some jacketed rifle bullets,I assume,I need to cut these in two to get the lead out.Is this soft Lead?
2. I have a half a coffee can of bird shot with this is this pure Lead?
Thanks for your help ! Rick



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[dbosman]

In my experience, jacketed bullets either have cracks or develop them as you heat the scrap. Start with a cold melting pot and bring the temperature up slowly. That way any water that may have seeped in to those cracks will steam out. Shot can be all but pure lead to an alloy with antimony, tin, and some arsenic.

lead from jacketed bullets will be nearly pure. I treat it as pure, but I don't sort range scrap. Hardness of range scrap depends on the type of range. A .22 only range will be almost pure lead. Indoor pistol range will vary as some require jacketed or plated bullits. Outdoor pistol range will have a lot of lead alloy bullets. Outdoor rifle range may vary depending on the season. At the local state owned range most rifle shooters are using commercial ammo.

[R.Newman]

Thanks for the advice going to give it a go tomorrow if weather cooperates

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[BNE]

If you are in doubt about the jacket, smack it with a hammer to make sure a crack is present. (Before you heat it)

Also, it is a good idea to put the scrap into a cold pot and then heat it up. Range scrap is likely to have moisture trapped inside. Dropping a wet Bullet into molten lead can bring out the tinsel fairy!

I have XrFed a fair amount of range scrap. It is typically 0.5 to 1.5% Sb and the rest Pb.
It really just depends on who shot what into your pile.

Have fun!

[T-Bird]

I agree, BNE the only time she has ever visited me, it was when I added range scrap to a hot pot.-NEVER AGAIN! Glad I was wearing glasses- had lead on them.

[RP]

I flux with used motor oil and light it up the extra heat will clean the jackets of the lead watch out for the ones that will squirt the lead out.