zomby woof
05-22-2009, 12:56 PM
I’m a new caster, but long time reloader. I’ve been absorbing as much information from this board as possible. I have some questions on which lead to be using for pistol. I’ve been reading that I need a softer alloy for my .45 acp. I’ve improvised a lead hardness tester from an arbor press. Here is my procedure:
Arbor press using .312 ball bearing. The Arbor press arm at 90 degrees extended all the way out. Hold 22 pound weight for 30 seconds on the end of arm. Measure the depression width in lead with calipers.
I’ve been getting the following results. WW leave about a .157” depression with some of my softer alloy leaving a .230” depression. I tested some commercial lead boolits that I’ve shot before with excellent results.
Carroll .45 200 grain left a .140” depression
Gun show 9mm 147 grain left a .180” depression.
It seems these boolits are quite hard, close to WW hard. I cast some with my softer alloy but have not had time to load any. I know the proof is in the shooting. I was thinking of trying a 2/1 alloy of WW and soft for my next batch.
Am I making any wrong assumptions? Does anyone have any recommendations or advice? Thanks.
Arbor press using .312 ball bearing. The Arbor press arm at 90 degrees extended all the way out. Hold 22 pound weight for 30 seconds on the end of arm. Measure the depression width in lead with calipers.
I’ve been getting the following results. WW leave about a .157” depression with some of my softer alloy leaving a .230” depression. I tested some commercial lead boolits that I’ve shot before with excellent results.
Carroll .45 200 grain left a .140” depression
Gun show 9mm 147 grain left a .180” depression.
It seems these boolits are quite hard, close to WW hard. I cast some with my softer alloy but have not had time to load any. I know the proof is in the shooting. I was thinking of trying a 2/1 alloy of WW and soft for my next batch.
Am I making any wrong assumptions? Does anyone have any recommendations or advice? Thanks.