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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
12-25-2010, 02:37 PM
The jackets will come to the top of the melt during fluxing. ... felix
markinalpine
12-25-2010, 02:43 PM
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 :coffeecom
XWrench3
12-25-2010, 04:46 PM
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
12-25-2010, 06:35 PM
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
12-25-2010, 07:10 PM
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 :coffeecom
Duh. That's such a good idea! I have been picking them out one by one and it takes for-ever.
runfiverun
12-25-2010, 07:49 PM
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
12-25-2010, 10:36 PM
Just remember to smack any totally jacketed bullets with a hammer to break the copper to avoid getting squirted with 700 degree lead.
stainless1911
12-25-2010, 10:47 PM
yeah, that really sucks.
bowenrd
12-26-2010, 12:26 AM
magnets refuse to work on copper.
troy_mclure
12-26-2010, 12:29 AM
yeah, that really sucks.
yep, it does. plated too.
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