How hard?

[RyanJames170]

In a rifle load running a gas checked bullet how hard of lead do you need if you run “any powder upto a velocity of 2000 fps? I have been looking at a cheap source of lead from a company the BHN in 10, vs buying Lyman #2, I have been running wheel weights how ever I have just about exhausted my supply of this, this stuff costs about $.50 per lb vs $4.00 a pound for Lyman #2 from roto

[Harter66]

If it will heat treat a little up to 12-14 and you're running;
1-12/10 in 30 cal
1-10 in 32/8mm
1-14or less in 338 ,35 ,&40
1-20 in 45 it will work but all of these are right at the fringe at 2000-2200 fps .

[Rickf1985]

I run 14-16 gas checked in my 30-06 running around 1850-1900 FPM.

[waksupi]

For 2000 fps, 18 Bn is right in the ball park.

[Harter66]

If it will heat treat a little up to 12-14 and you're running;
1-12/10 in 30 cal
1-10 in 32/8mm
1-14or less in 338 ,35 ,&40
1-20 in 45 it will work but all of these are right at the fringe at 2000-2200 fps .

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

To give a real precise answer, it'd be nice to know the caliber/gun, the type of power/load, and what the alloy of the 10 BHN is?
.
But in all honestly, that 10 alloy should be fine up to 2000.
...there will likely be someone chiming in, that pure Lead, if powder coated, will do the same.

[RyanJames170]

To give a real precise answer, it'd be nice to know the caliber/gun, the type of power/load, and what the alloy of the 10 BHN is?
.
But in all honestly, that 10 alloy should be fine up to 2000.
...there will likely be someone chiming in, that pure Lead, if powder coated, will do the same.

It will be either 308 win or 303 British witch are kissing twins as far as case capacity gose, I plan to mostly shoot between a 155-215gr bullet, none of the bullets will be intentionally driven past 2000 fps most will probably be around 1400-1800 fps as I do have some Lyman #2 left and also have super hard to harden it a little,

I am going to guess given its bullet cores something like a tin/lead alloy as the maker makes JHP pistol bullets might be a 1:20 alloy, I honestly hope it is as I could use that to make something harder if I wanted

[Hick]

I have the same price issues you have but my main source is still Roto. I buy Antimonial lead from them-- which is usually lower cost, then blend with one of the other lower cost lead/tin alloys. The Antimonial lead adds enough antimony to the blend to bump up the harness to something like Lyman #2

[Digital Dan]

I've shot BHN 12 gas checked 180 gr with a Model 94 .30-30, no leading at ~2100 fps. BHN 10 up to around 1750 fps, no leading. I'm cautious about fit more than alloy. Referenced BHN 10 loads shoot 3/4-1 MOA for 5 shots on a calm day. The .30-30 runs about 1.5 MOA with an aperture sight.

Paper patched pure lead @ 1600 fps from a 77/44 would put 8 shots in a wee bit more than 1" at 100 yards.

I don't get excited about "hard" alloys.

[Willie T]

I’ve shot water quenched gas checked wheel weights over 2000 fps with 125’s in a .357 magnum carbine and 150’s in a couple 30-30 lever guns. No leading but they were not particularly accurate for me in either caliber. Never tested them for bhn but the outside of the bullets get pretty hard. Smashed with a hammer the outer 1/8” cracks and breaks rather than deforms.
After the smash test I abandoned the water quenched wheel weights and started alloying my own Lyman No2. I still cast and shoot the same gas checked bullets with Lyman No2. I have worked up loads that are accurate and tough enough for my needs for deer hunting. Rather than paying $4/pound, I scrounge for wheel weights and pewter and am able to keep my costs low.
Good luck, whichever way you go sourcing casting materials for your rifle bullets.
Willie