Lead and copper mixture

[Jody]

Hi: I have a bunch of semi-jacketed lead hollowpoints that I dug out of a backstop at a gun range. I have them washed, cleaned and dried. I want to melt them down for bullets. When I get them molten, will the copper jackets float on top of the lead or will the lead float on top of the copper? In other words, how do I separate the lead from the copper? Thanks

[felix]

The jackets will come to the top of the melt during fluxing. ... felix

[markinalpine]

I have a large stainless ladle that I drilled many hole in to use for removing jackets and clips, and ??? that floats to the top.
Good luck, and welcome to the board,
Mark

[XWrench3]

i use an ice fishing strainer to remove the floating metal from my mix. i found it at a yard sale for 50 cents. works good enough for me.

[lwknight]

Adding wax to the melt will release the clingy lead from the copper jackets.
Otherwise you will end up tossing out good lead with the copper and crud.

[stainless1911]

I have a large stainless ladle that I drilled many hole in to use for removing jackets and clips, and ??? that floats to the top.
Good luck, and welcome to the board,
Mark

Duh. That's such a good idea! I have been picking them out one by one and it takes for-ever.

[runfiverun]

a magnet would be faster than one at a time. but a slotted stainless spoon from the dollar staore has worked for over 20 years for me.
remember to give the spoon a good shake as it comes out and don't try to get them all at once.

[hoosierlogger]

Just remember to smack any totally jacketed bullets with a hammer to break the copper to avoid getting squirted with 700 degree lead.

[stainless1911]

yeah, that really sucks.

[bowenrd]

magnets refuse to work on copper.

[troy_mclure]

yeah, that really sucks.

yep, it does. plated too.