Speckleld Bullets

[Jeff82]

I mixed up a batch of bullets yesterday. As I'm trying to reduce the bhn of my last batch from about 14.5 (2.0% tin / 1.5% antimony / water dropped) to around 11 or 12, I put together a mix of 2.0% tin to 1.0% antimony. This was again water dropped and came out with an initial BHN of 8.5. I'd expect it to cure to about 11.5 or so. While inspecting the bullets I noticed little lead speckles as if some of the lead seperated out from the alloy. I think it's only a cosmetic effect, but was wondering if this is the result of using more tin than antimony.

Any thoughts?

[bslim]

I can't help you with the specled bullets, but if I wanted to reduce the hardness of my bullets, I would just add pure lead to the formulation.

[Lizard333]

Are you using a bottom pour lead pot by chance. If your lead has not been properly fluxed you can get inclusions in your cast boolits. More than likely not a big deal. They will lead to weight variations depending on how much/many.

[Springfield]

Do the speckles wipe off with a rag or finger? Sure it isn't just frosting?

[DLCTEX]

I have gotten speckles when water dropping that are from our hard water. Proved it by dropping some in RO water.

[runfiverun]

yes.....

[Jens]

if you water dropped them could it be minerals in the water some how sticking ? it happened to me also and i still dont know happened.

[runfiverun]

calcium will definatly affect the coloring of a boolit.
i.m betting he answered his own question.
the speckeled look sounds just like free tin that wasn't able to rebond with the lead.
it makes it's way throughout the alloy and appears on the surface.
it's speckeled because it's spots of tin surrounded by unalloyed spots of pure lead.
it gives a speckeled appearance [blackish spots]

[Jeff82]

I use hard water, which could explain the speckling. The appearance of the specking looks like what Runfiverun describes. The bullets seem a little shinier than normal but have some dark grey spotting. Not really a problem, more a curiosity.

[runfiverun]

it'll be an issue in the bbl.
cut the tin down.