Lino or Range lead for rifle?

[johnho]

I have finally decided to start shooting lead in my 1903 and A3. Tried a few and that is fun. My question is should I be using linotype for this or can I get by with range lead that runs about 8bn? I have three different molds and all have the gas checks which I have used. I find that trying to size these buggers with lino in my Star is tough at times so want to know if I can just use the softer lead. Thanks.

[btroj]

Depends.

How fast? Low velocity does well with lower BHn, higher velocity needs harder.

For 1800 fps loads I would use 5 percent Linotype in range scrap. For faster than that you might need 15 percent. For 1300 to 1500 fps loads go with plain old range scrap. This all assumes a gas check is used.

Using straight Linotype for a 30 cal is a waste of good metal.

[Bret4207]

2 options from my perspective-

1- Mix the two together and aim for something in the 13-15Bhn area. That will do 90% or more of most of the shooting anyone will do.

2- Save the lino for special projects, if it's really good lino and not depleted, and find some WW alloy or something close to it. There may well be tons of old WW laying about in scrap yards or old garages near you. Or you can buy some enrichment metal and juice the range scrap up to the 13-15 range, even 11 or 12 is in the ballpark on the low end. 8, if that's an accurate measurement is a little low for anything in an '06 over 12-1400 a lot of times. You might be surprised what a little tin and antimony does for that scrap. Reclaimed bird shot helps or any partial bags of shot you might find at a yard sale. Anything in the magnum shot line tends to have plenty of antimony in it.

That's where I'd start. But I have to wonder if you've shot any of the boolits you cast so far and how they do? Most alloys take 2-3 weeks to reach their more or less hardest. If you measured right after casting they might be up to 11 or 12 3 weeks later.

[johnho]

Yes, I have shot some already with pure lino and they worked well. I want to keep the velocities below 1800 for now. With range lead I haven't really seen much of an increase in BN after time but some on my pistol bullets.

[paul h]

I'd try adding 10% lino to your range scrap and water drop them. Should be plenty hard for range work in a rifle, and economical.

[Bret4207]

Just how "hard" do you need them? Try WQing the scrap and see what happens. If you're staying under 1800 it may work fine for you. I read it as you haven't tried the scrap yet. It may be all you need already.

[Calamity Jake]

I use a mix of 75/25 WW/Lino AC(BHN 15) in all my cast boolit rifle shooting which includes speeds up to about 2100

[johnho]

Thanks for your comments folks. I'm going to try adding some lino as I have a fair amount of it and a LOT of range lead.

[243winxb]

Lino & 4895

[detox]

Lino fills those small moulds perfectly. It is very easy to cast small bullets using Lino...very forgiving alloy and will cast at various temps from 600 - 800 no problems. I could not imagine casting a 22 cal or 30 cal bullet without it.

[WILCO]

My question is should I be using linotype for this or can I get by with range lead that runs about 8bn?

8 BHN is too soft for anything other than black powder in my opinion.
Straight Linotype is a waste of good alloy without specific purposes for use.
Best bet is to cut your range scrap with a known alloy of harder BHN or simply purchase some harder alloy that equals the Lyman #2 recipe.

From this website: http://www.rotometals.com/product-p/lyman2bulletmetal.htm

Our Lyman #2 alloy (90% Lead, 5% Tin, 5% Antimony) comes in an ingot that measure approximately 8-3/4" by 1" x 2" and weighs approximately 5 lbs. (+/-.25). The Brinell Hardness of this Lyman 2 alloy is about ~ 16.

And from the Lyman website: http://www.lymanproducts.com/lyman/faqs/bullet-casting.php

Q: What is the composition for #2 Alloy?
A: This is made up of 90% lead, 5% tin, and 5% antimony.

Q: How do I make #2 Alloy?
A: To make 10 pounds of #2 Alloy, use either of the following recipes: 9 pounds of wheelweights + 1 pound of 50/50 (lead/tin) bar solder or 4 pounds of Linotype +1 pound of 50/50 bar solder + 5 pounds pure lead