Question Regarding Hardness Measurement Equipment

[Larry D.]

Next question for the good folks here.

I have another question in regards to hardness.

I own a Webster Instruments Model B. This is normally used for aluminum alloys. I have access to a Rockwell tester at work. I don't own, or have access to a Brinell unit yet.

Will the Webster or the Rockwell work for checking the hardness of lead alloys? If so, what numbers should I be looking for
I'm mostly interested in the Webster since I have it here where I do my casting.

Link for the Webster: http://www.worldoftest.com/websterb.htm

[dbosman]

Might these help?
http://www.engineersedge.com/hardness_conversion.htm
http://www.calculatoredge.com/metallurgy/hardness.htm
http://www.chapelsteel.com/brinell-rockwell.html
http://www.engineershandbook.com/Tables/hardness.htm

[cbrick]

Might these help?

Don't know how you could relate any of those to boolits. Three of them go down to a BHN off 111, the other to 86. The hardest BHN lead alloy your ever likely to shoot or cast is 30. None of those calculators relate to lead and hardness testing other materials, brass for example, the numbers do not transfer to lead hardness.

Rick

[rmatchell]

I would just test whatever known alloys you can get, then work from there it would at least give you an idea.

[runfiverun]

if they only go to 80 or 100 bhn that is all you will ever see.
Rockwell might transfer over somehow, but I think it is only for surface testing.

[Larry D.]

I did a bit more research today on the Webster.
That sucker is expensive! I think I'm gonna sell it and buy more casting equipment, to include a BHN tester.