Lino lead mix?

[rodsvet]

I have a question. I have 850 lbs. of lino and 500 lbs. of what is supposed to be pure lead. If I blend them 1/2 and 1/2 will I be getting a finished 14-15 BHN? Will I need to add anything to get good fill out? I've been casting for 40 years but always with straight lino. ??? Thanks Rod

[338RemUltraMag]

From what Runfiverun told me, a 50/50 lyno pure mix shuld duplicate the commercial hardcast lead, he also stated to possibly add 2% tin to the mix. If you wanted to duplicate WW alloy add just a tad more pure possibly 8-10%

[rodsvet]

Thank you! I think I'll blend a few pounds and see if the fill out is good. Rod

[BACKTOSHOOTING]

Just put your formula into my calculator and it comes out to:

2% tin
6% antim
92% lead
BHN - 14.7
Hope this helps, Steve

[454PB]

The numbers say you'll end up with "hardball", but it depends on the purity of the "pure" lead, and the actual percentages of lead/tin/antimony in your linotype. My supply of what I call linotype is a mixture of linotype, monotype, and spacer strips.

When I mix "pure" lead and linotype 50/50, it yields an alloy that tests anywhere from 16 to 20 BHN.

I'd suggest you do a small batch and test it for yourself to find the correct ratio.

[Andrew Mason]

when i made my batch of hardball and cast with it, it has great fill out.
very shiney bullets, go for it

[Pooch]

I got this recipie from a friend and it seems right on for 14 to 15 BHN. It is range lead/lino at a 13:3 ratio. (13 oz. range lead: 3 oz. lino). I'm am fortunate to have permission to mine the berms at my rod & gun club.

[rodsvet]

Lead is becoming harder to locate in California. I found a guy in San diego who has 3,000 lbs. left. He wants to get rid of it but he won't go below $1.50 a lb. When the panic stops in a year or so, l think it will drop back down. You can buy it from China for $1800 for 2200 lbs. but you must buy minimum of 5 metric tons and then there is shipping.