Hi all,
Back into reloading and casting after like a 25-year layoff. As I did previously, I'm using pure Linotype (currently from Rotometals) to shoot 44, 357, and considering 50AE (I know you're not supposed to do that with lead) with lube and gas checks. The reason I do it is simplicity, uniformity (no mixing and mystery hardness, plus guarantee of no leading at any velocity. I consider leading the greatest of evils). Maybe some here think it's extravagant, but it's still a magnitude cheaper than copper jacketed. Also, probably don't need lube at this hardness, although I've never tried it.
The biggest downside for me is the force required to size. Hard on my old shoulder, not to mention, the LAM II and dies/top punches. And impossible to size with any powdercoating.
Just curious what the reaction here is. Looks like my cheaper source of Lino (60# boxes of actual type pieces from Rotometals) is gone, so now it's up to ~$4/lb. Is this all just overkill? Is #2 sufficient for 1500+ FPS with lube (or just gas checks)? I can get pre-mixed #2 for a decent price. There is simply no scrap in my area so it's not an option.
Anyone here casting pure Lino?