Lyman #2 recipes wanted

[Shuz]

I have found Lyman's #2 alloy works very well for my accuracy on the targets goals.
I have the following lead alloys: wheelweights plus 1% tin, ( tests Saeco 7-8) wheelweights that test Saeco 4, pure lead, and linotype.
I also have 2.5 pounds of pure tin.
Im looking for a recipe that would utilize the Saeco 4 wheelweights and linotype if such a recipe exists.
Actually I would appreciate any recipes for Lyman number 2 that utilizes the stuff I have.
Thanks in advance!

[Winger Ed.]

Lyman #2 is the recipe in percentages for what it is.
You may need to do a little math for what you've got to work with.

The formulations are in the Lyman cast book.
You might also be interested in the other alloys they have: Lyman #1 and #3.

If you not needing hard stuff for higher speeds-
I'd go on the soft side and conserve the expensive/valuable 'goodies'.

[243winxb]

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?media/lyman-alloy-hardness-chart.2255/full

[Larry Gibson]

#2 alloy contains 90% lead, 5% antimony and 5% tin.

Given COWs only contain 2 - 3% antimony I never could figure out how 9 1/2 lbs of COWWs plus 1/2 lb of tin could make that alloy.

I have used quite a bit of #2 alloy made with the linotype, solder and lead formula. That one makes a very good alloy that gives AC'd bullets a 22- 23 BHN after 10 - 14 days aging.

[dale2242]

I use Larrys mixture.
9 lbs COWWs + 1 lb 50/50 bar solder.
Check this site out for alloy recipes.

http://www.lasc.us/CastBulletAlloy.htm

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

As Larry says, "#2 alloy contains 90% lead, 5% antimony and 5% tin"

The thing is, you can't mix a precise percentage (like 90-5-5) from your WW alloy, mostly because you don't know precisely what it is. Even Lino can vary. Do you require a precise percentage? If not, I would just use 3 parts WW & 1 part Lino and call it good.

[243winxb]

9 pounds WW & 1 pound Bar Solder? = What BHN.

50/50 Tin-Lead Bar Solder . WW & Bar solder- What would the BHN be? I have no idea?

Lyman thinks BHN of 15?

From Rotometals-
Basic Rules for Harding Lead-
For every 1% additional tin, Brinell hardness increases 0.3.
For every 1% additional antimony, Brinell hardness increases 0.9.
For a simple equation,
Brinell = 8.60 + ( 0.29 * Tin ) + ( 0.92 * Antimony )

Just add some Rotometals Linotype. I put 2" of the bar in a Lee 10 pound pot. No idea what the BHN is.

[243winxb]

I use Larrys mixture.
9 lbs COWWs + 1 lb 50/50 bar solder.
Check this site out for alloy recipes.

http://www.lasc.us/CastBulletAlloy.htm

Clip-on wheel weight .5 tin , 2% antimony, 97.5 lead BHN 11 or 12

[405grain]

Another good source for alloy information. My standard casting alloy is #8 from this list. I cut it 50/50 with pure for pistol bullets.
http://www.lasc.us/SuperHard.htm

[uscra112]

There are spreadsheets that calculate hardness according to alloy content available for download that will answer all your questions.

[Shuz]

There are spreadsheets that calculate hardness according to alloy content available for download that will answer all your questions.

Where can I locate these spreadsheets?

[uscra112]

Sent you a P/M.

[hc18flyer]

I use 'Bumpo's' alloy calculator from this site. I have sent several alloys in to bne for testing, everyone came back ' on the money'. I have come to trust my raw materials and the calculator. hc18flyer

[bruce381]

yes download and save Bumpos calculator very handey using that for lyman #2 shows
about 5% tin and 5% antimony using 5lbs wheelweights and .25 lb tin and 1.6 lbs lino

[Shuz]

I received the lead alloy spreadsheet and put it to good use for making up Lyman #2 from the alloys I have on hand!
Thanks to all who contributed to this thread.��

[bruce381]

I received the lead alloy spreadsheet and put it to good use for making up Lyman #2 from the alloys I have on hand!
Thanks to all who contributed to this thread.��

yeah the spread sheet it kinda cool the way you can vary all the amounts even put in a cost per bullet

[FISH4BUGS]

My formula for #2? 5lbs ww to 1lb lino.
I have never leaded a barrel in 40 years.

[Rickf1985]

You may not have leaded a barrel but that is not even remotely close to Lyman #2!

1.08% 4.50% 0.21% 0.00% 0.00% 94.2% Is what you have.
5.00% 5.00% 90.0% Is Lyman #2

[gwpercle]

If anyone is interested in ... Simple
A good alloy for handgun and in hunting rifle boolits is

50-50 mix of COWW and soft scrap lead . I have never tested BHN but it might be 8 or 9 .
it is not hard and I use it for all my cast boolits .

For decades I had a free unlimited source of wheel weights and cast everything from COWW , but 8 years ago he retired from the tire business and my supply stopped . I had a lot of scrap lead from contractors in the building construction business . So I read here where 50-50 COWW and lead was good . I cast ingots from each and when I fill my pot put one of each in the pot along with a little linotype for tin for easier casting .

Not complicated ... but if you aren't into advanced math , calculus and spread sheets and all that heavy duty thinking ... it works like a old New Orleans Voo-Doo woman's black magic charm .
Gary

[FISH4BUGS]

You may not have leaded a barrel but that is not even remotely close to Lyman #2!

1.08% 4.50% 0.21% 0.00% 0.00% 94.2% Is what you have.
5.00% 5.00% 90.0% Is Lyman #2

So it is HARDER than #2?
Not sure what those numbers mean.
Can you explain?

[Dusty Bannister]

It is probably just the percentages that the calculator shows but since the first two, perhaps tin and antimony, only equal less than 5%, the mix is way under Lyman #2. It would be clear if the 00.0 factors were omitted and the actual make up was noted.

Did I miss where he actually gave the weights of any of the materials in his final blend?

Ok, the post by Rick addresses F4B blend, not Shuz.

[uscra112]

So it is HARDER than #2?
Not sure what those numbers mean.
Can you explain?

On my spreadsheet that would be
1.08% tin
4.50% antimony
0.21% arsenic
94.6% lead

Spreadsheet algorithm says Brinell 13
Lyman #2 is nominally Brinell 15

Add enough tin to bring the percentage up to 5% and you'll be a lot closer.

[Dusty Bannister]

Yes, closer, but tin dominant alloys tend to age soften. He might be better to just stop at 4.5 or a little less so the antimony is the dominant ingredient. It is also possible that he intends to cast and shoot in a few months so that difference in hardening is not a factor.

[Rickf1985]

Or stay right where he is since he has never had any problems with his formula. Ifn' it works don't screw with it and don't ask questions.:smile:

[FISH4BUGS]

Or stay right where he is since he has never had any problems with his formula. Ifn' it works don't screw with it and don't ask questions.:smile:

Technically, everyone is probably right. This is a tad softer than #2.
But you are absolutely correct. It does work. It has worked. It will work.
:)