Lead Stash, what do I have

[Lost Oki]

I have been a member since 2016 but have not posted since then.
Lead stash, what do I have? Keep in mind, the lead I have is at least 4 yrs from the last melt, some as much as 15 yrs. Using the pencil method and chart I have

50 lbs checked with # 4B pencil = 25:1 Lead / Tin

20 lbs checked with #3B pencil = 20:1 Lead / Tin (WW)

16 lbs (WW) checked with #HB Pencil = Lyman #2 alloy, 1:1 Linotype

What I am wondering is if the lead has hardened thru age and actually should be one point below what I found.

By the way, I was impressed with this method, worked just like it was described.

Comments?

[USSR]

Lost Oki,

I keep my lead in it's original form until a casting session - no pencils required.

Don

[jonp]

I keep about half original and mixed the rest 50/50 as I use that alot. The pencil method works pretty good. I wouldn't worry being off a little bit.

[kevin c]

You're saying the alloy content is certain from your records, it's the hardness now that's different from expected?

I've read that hardness can vary over time for just about any alloy we use (maybe not pure lead?), but it doesn't matter what the ingot hardness is because, being a different size and shape from the bullets, the cooling after pouring is different and that effects what's measured compared to a cast bullet. More important, regardless of the change during storage, once remelted the alloy "resets" to whatever hardness the fresh poured alloy has, and the change starts all over again.

Welcome back!

[Went2kck]

I have 2 Homer buckets full of COWW and 2 of sticky WW. made into lead Lee mold Ingots. And 110lbs of LYNOTIPE still in letter form. Add to that about 50LBS of pewter. I melt the pewter down into lee mold set at an angle so it makes wedges. That way I know what it is.