BHN for Hornady Swagged lead Boolits?

[pps]

I've shot some boolits and bullets into rubber mulch and noticed that the Hornady swagged lead doesn't deform much at 850fps in the mulch. Does anyone know the BHN of these things off the top of their head? This lead, once recycled looks like it might not need any tin or antimony added to make a nice 358156 boolit.

Here's what these guys look like after penetrating 11 inches of boolit trap:
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l96/pps_2006/Hornady.jpg

I'm separating my boolits into 3 buckets: swagged (I have 55# boolits of these already loaded in 38 brass ready for "dis-assembly" and recycling), jacketed (soft lead), and one bucket for hardcast.

Just curious about the BHN, as these little guys seem harder than what I expected for swagged lead.

[405]

Well I just measured a Hornady swaged 38 cal 140gr cowboy bullet.
It measured BHN of 8.2 using a Lee tester. I imagine all or most of the Hornady swaged lead bullets are similar source lead and hardness. That 8.2 # is close to the standard for 40:1 alloy.

Lack of impact deformation is not surprising. Cast bullets even as soft as 12-15 BHN have a track record of extraordinary penetration- mostly due I guess to lack of deformation even at higher rifle velocities. Classic mushroom shapes can be attained from (hunting situation) impacts from softer pure lead of around 5-6 BHN at velocities of 1000-1200fps

[runfiverun]

iirc hornady swages lead and 5% antimony.
no tin.

[pps]

iirc hornady swages lead and 5% antimony.
no tin.

No tin? That's interesting. So I shouldn't be surprised if I have trouble filling the mold and need to add a bit of tin.

[runfiverun]

1% would be plenty you could also mix them with your plain lead 50/50 add 1% tin
and equal ww's if you water drop you should be near 18 bhn, if not about 10- 11 or so air cooled.

[Boomer Mikey]

Most of the Hornady and Speer swaged bullets I've used are around BHN 8. I've used thousands of them in CAS matches; they’re good for shooting steel to minimize ricochets.

Boomer :Fire:

[pps]

Thanks for the information gentlemen.

I'll probably add a little 60/40 tin/lead solder to the mix when smelting to make sure it fills the mold when I cast. I am just surprised at the lack of deformation of a bullet that soft. No big deal for target rounds though.

[jski]

I just received a gift box of Hornady 255 gr. swaged bullets and was planning on using them in my S&W .45 Colt Mountain. But ... I'm concerned about leading.

[dondiego]

I just received a gift box of Hornady 255 gr. swaged bullets and was planning on using them in my S&W .45 Colt Mountain. But ... I'm concerned about leading.

I have used the Hornady swaged bullets with good success. I keep velocities below 1000 fps.

[jski]

dondiego, any leading issues?

A BHN=8 seems pretty soft? Also no gas checks.

[Livin_cincy]

dondiego, any leading issues?

A BHN=8 seems pretty soft? Also no gas checks.

These are typically shot very sloooooowwwwwww as in 650-750 fps as target rounds. So they make them soft to obturate.

[dbosman]

The swaged bullets have a very nice dry lube on them. Stay under 1000 fps and you "shouldn't" see much leading. Your mileage may vary.

[dondiego]

dondiego, any leading issues?

A BHN=8 seems pretty soft? Also no gas checks.

No issues if you keep the speed below 1000fps.