Drafting Pencil Test

[B R Shooter]

I've been searching, and there are a lot of references of using drafting pencils to check hardness. Getting the pencils aren't a problem, but is there a "standard" procedure to use them on bullets? Using a similar method would hopefully result in readings that match some of the charts I've seen.

[Conditor22]

This is how I've always done it http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?378866-Lead-hardness-pencil-testing-trick

[JoeJames]

Good reminder to me again. Thanks.

[cwtebay]

This is how I've always done it http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?378866-Lead-hardness-pencil-testing-trickWell that's just cool!!! Thank you for sharing, man I have soo much to learn!!!

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[whisler]

The pencil hardness test is a standard paint film hardness test and is described under ASTM D3363 test procedure. (ASTM = American Society for Testing and Materials)

[Wayne Smith]

And the scratch test is the standard Mohs hardness scale test of minerals.

[RedHawk357Mag]

I think it's actually artist pencils. Stadler Mars maybe, blue and silver box. Excellent video on you tube on a procedure that is definitely repeatable in results. Actually a lot easier than the Lee microscope thing for me.

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[jdowney]

I always thought HB was #2 - right up until I saw that table and remembered "F" pencils! I haven't seen an F for sale in years - probably whoever orders pencils for the minimal drafting section of the art store doesn't know where F fits in the scale. I'd always assumed HB was the middle.... and I remember learning in a HS drafting class that #2's were the same as the middle hardness.

That method is so cool - like finding something valuable that's been in plain sight for years :D