Cheapest way to get Lead alloy to 7 or 8 Brinell Hardness ?

[fredj338]

Range scrap from a berm often yields just about 8-9bhn for me. Doesnt get much cheaper than berm scrap.

[RogerDat]

No reason not to do both purchase bullets and set up to cast your own. Buying some already cast can give you a way to evaluate what profile and weight your gun likes. Which can guide your mold purchase. Even if one usually purchases your component bullets having at least one functional mold and some lead alloy so that one is self sufficient if needed or desired has a value that I think usually greatly exceeds its cost.

I have a 9mm mold, sizer, and dies despite not having a 9mm. For less than $100 I have insured my grandson and daughter in law will have ammo for THEIR 9mm, not to mention it is a very popular caliber so equipment isn't likely to lose value or not get used. Semi-auto bottom feeders seem to go through ammo in a way that makes revolver lovers like myself cringe.

Although I don't waste the cost of an MP or Lyman mold on a "standby" mold. The family can just live with the output of a $25 Lee 2 cavity.