Shot my 1st cast boolits today

[beetle]

I was very pleased with the range results today on my first ever cast boolits. Thanks to all who have contributed to the knowledge base on this wonderful site.

I loaded up 40 rounds of 9mm with 3.8 grains of Bullseye powder, topped with a 115 grain boolit cast from a Lee 6 cavity mold. For this first test I used an alloy mixed from 50% 20/1 lead to tin, and 50% linotype. I used a math formula to calculate that the BHN was about 15.

Anyway, this first batch was very accurate, the Smith & Wesson Sigma functioned perfectly with it, and the barrel showed no leading.

This is really fun!

John

[docone31]

Way to go!!
Gotta cast more now.

[TCLouis]

Way to go!
Now you are an old hand.
One thought . . .

Save the Lino for the future when you really need it and BHN of 15 or more

[WILCO]

Way to go!!
Gotta cast more now.

Ditto for me!!

[HangFireW8]

Beetle,

Congratulations, I was there not too long ago.



I loaded up 40 rounds of 9mm with 3.8 grains of Bullseye powder, topped with a 115 grain boolit cast from a Lee 6 cavity mold. For this first test I used an alloy mixed from 50% 20/1 lead to tin, and 50% linotype. I used a math formula to calculate that the BHN was about 15.


By all means, use what you have available and what works. As you start producing more and more, you'll find there are cheaper alloys that will still get the job done.

-HF

[Buckshot]

..............Good for you Beetle! :-) If you loaded up 40 rounds to fire off, you must have stepped outside to your own personal range to do it! I have to drive 80 miles round trip to the range I use so I usually load up and take more then 40:kidding:

...............Buckshot

[FISH4BUGS]

I was very pleased with the range results today on my first ever cast boolits. Thanks to all who have contributed to the knowledge base on this wonderful site.

I loaded up 40 rounds of 9mm with 3.8 grains of Bullseye powder, topped with a 115 grain boolit cast from a Lee 6 cavity mold. For this first test I used an alloy mixed from 50% 20/1 lead to tin, and 50% linotype. I used a math formula to calculate that the BHN was about 15.

Anyway, this first batch was very accurate, the Smith & Wesson Sigma functioned perfectly with it, and the barrel showed no leading.

This is really fun!

John

You might be using a bit too much linotype. I use 5 lbs ww and 1 lb linotype, shoot them in submachineguns and all my 9mm pistols, and never had a leading issue. I'd try backing off the linotype. I don't think you really need that much in your mix.

[qajaq59]

It's more fun, and far cheaper. But additive as all get out!!!

Start casting some more.

[white eagle]

gajaq59 nailed it once you start you cant stop
knda like lays potato chips ya can't eat just one
have fun !

[ghh3rd]

Welcome the the addiction... it sure is fun slingin one's own boolits downrange!

[captaint]

beetle - congrats man!! I remember the feeling, the first success. You're hooked now. But you k.now that. Me too. So much fun, I poured up 11 lbs of H&G 130's today. What a nice simple boolit to cast. Simply a joy... enjoy Mike

[lwknight]

I loaded up 40 rounds of 9mm with 3.8 grains of Bullseye powder, topped with a 115 grain boolit cast from a Lee 6 cavity mold. For this first test I used an alloy mixed from 50% 20/1 lead to tin, and 50% linotype. I used a math formula to calculate that the BHN was about 15.

That makes 4.5% tin and 6% antimony . You will get 15 bnh without the 20-1 when using lino 50/50 with pure lead.
Your mix will actually get a little softer as it ages a lot. In the mean time it will harden for several weeks first.

[captain-03]

Congratulations!!