Alloy for MZ casting

[brewer12345]

So I will soon be casting for my 50 cal and the goal will be round balls and a conical or two to use for target and hunting, respectively. I know that pure lead is the usual choice. So will SOWWs work? I know they are almost entirely lead. Is a 20-1 or similar alloy with some tin a bad idea for a hunting conical? Any words of wisdom for someone who has not cast with pure before?

[Buzzard II]

Pure lead for round ball is what I use in muzzle loaders. I've tried other alloys and always came back to pure. Try other alloys and see what your gun likes. No harm in trying various alloy. Melt down anything that does not work.

[country gent]

A very small amount of tin 40-1 30-1 can help fill out and improve the bullets. But the soww will do fine as is.

[brewer12345]

Much obliged.

[curator]

SOWW + 1/2% tin is what I cast my M/L bullets from. This includes Minie' and round balls. These test about 5.5 to 6.0 BHN on my hardness tester and show perfect obturation in most applications. This alloy also casts well with excellent fill-out compared to pure lead. I run my melter at 750 degrees fahrenheit. My only complaint is melting the stick-um off the original wheel weights.