Hardness Tester

[boogerloo]

Does anybody use the Lee hardness tester? Is it easy to use and is it accurate? Can you test ingots with it of just bullets?
Kevin

[clodhopper]

I use a lee hardness tester. You can use it on any piece of lead that can be filed flat and fit between the ram and die of your press.
I have trouble getting an accurate measurment of the indentation. But it still gives me a good idea of realtive hardness.
Mark

[454PB]

The Lee tester works well, but you need to rig up a means of steadying the microscope. I use a .45 ACP die installed in my turret press as a "holding tube", but others have built wooden stands to serve the same purpose. As to accuracy, there was a test involving many people and testing tools a while back, the Lee compared well with laboratory equipment.

Do a search on "Lee hardness tester" and you'll find lots of opinions and suggestions.

[boogerloo]

I found this tester- http://www.buffaloarms.com/browse.cfm/4,5918.html
Would I be better off to spend the extra money for this?
Kevin

[VTDW]

Yep!!! The Cabin Tree is one awesome product. I am sooo glad I bought that rather than the Lee.

Dave

[Naphtali]

How does Saeco/Redding's hardness tester fit into relative qualtiy and ease of use?

[xr650]

How does Saeco/Redding's hardness tester fit into relative qualtiy and ease of use?

I use a Saeco. I think the quality is OK. I get repeatable results.
Ease of use is not great. It is not real handy. You need to hold the tester upright with the boolit on the anvil while screwing the anvil toward the penetrator.
I made an adapter for the 50 cal. I need to make another one for 25 cal.

I have the Cabin Tree on my wish list.

[shotman]

I have a Saeco the problem is you have make a boolit to fit in it. Works good if you can see it. I had a box of lead[3000lb] and sorted it into lots. some i knew some i didnt made a boolit from each lot to test. I see many of you use WWs for some of the rifle boolits WWs are not that hard not much better than pure lead. rick

[dromia]

Gussy's Cabine Tree tester is first rate, easy to use and repeatable.

I've found the Lee to fiddly and the SAEco won't measure ingots.

So Cabine Tree for me and Gussy is one of us, hit the Casting Stuff link at the bottom of the page to go to his site or click here.

http://www.castingstuff.com/

[boogerloo]

Thanks for all the info. I ordered a Cabin tree today. It looks like the best fit for me. I never regretted buying quality, I have however regretted saving money and settling for less.....
Kevin