Hardness testers.

[mrappe]

I need to get one but I am not sure which one is best. Other opinions/experiences requested. I have see:

1) Lee - inexpensive but more work to use
2) Saeco Lead Hardness Tester - expensive but may be simple to use
3) LBT - Not sure
4) 2 models at Buffalo Arms - look promising

[870TC]

I have the LBT, Very happy with it.

[Muddy Creek Sam]

Cabine Tree from Gussy, a member who makes them, or Buffaloe Arms. I got the Dual Purpose.

Sam :D

[cbrick]

You can compare the different testers here. I use the LBT, quick, simple direct BHN readout, repeatable.

Testing The Consistency Of The Commonly Available
Cast Bullet BHN Test Equipment (http://www.lasc.us/Shay-BHN-Tester-Experiment.htm)

Rick

[R.M.]

I have a LBT. No fuss, just read the scale. Others you need a chart to convert the reading to BHN.
LBT gets my vote.

[captaint]

I have a Cabin Treel Love it. I'd buy it again... Mike

[buck1]

I have a Cabin Treel Love it. I'd buy it again... Mike

Same here!
I have had the LBT, and saeco also and would not buy them again.

LINK: http://www.castingstuff.com/cabinetree_llc___lead_testers.htm

[sargenv]

LBT here also.. simple, repeatable, useful, all one piece, no need for conversion charts.. To give you an idea.. the range lead that I smelt, after a few days of cooling, I spend 10-20 mins measuring the BHN of every ingot and labeling it using the LBT.. this would be near impossible in most testers since you need the bullet to be already cast or the lead in question a specific size, not so with the LBT since you can fit ingots in it up to a bit over an inch thick.

[cajun shooter]

The dual purpose Cabin Tree is the one to buy. Yes it does have a conversion chart but how hard is it to remember that 65 means a BHN of 10. It is built like a tank and will be handed down I promise you. Plus Gussy is a member and a nice guy to deal with. You don't have to worry about any problems.

[beanflip]

+1 on the Cabin Tree !!!!

[fredj338]

I had a Saeco, works fine, but a bit more diff to use w/ longer bullets. I have a CabinTree now, works great, easy to use for any bullet size.

[geargnasher]

I have a Lee. I love it. Easy to check calibration, too, so it can't lie.

Gear

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

Seems the Lee is a very capable hardness tester. I haven't used mine much yet, but I've found out that it needs lots of Light. I made a stand for it with a light.
the light kit is something I sell at gunshows for Semi-auto pistols with accesory rail.
Jon
http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu127/JonB_in_Glencoe/100_1301.jpg
http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu127/JonB_in_Glencoe/100_1302.jpg

[geargnasher]

Nice setup. Being able to read the scale is the Achilles heel and source of much complaint with the Lee. I've seen some folks convert a cheap, low-power microscope frame to hold the Lee scope, that way it's adjustable and stays STILL. I've found the indenter portion to be very accurate, but then again it's only as good as the sample and the user.

Gear

[idahoron]

I am another one for Cabin Tree. It is so easy to use that is the big thing. I think the Cabin tree is the biggest reason I do so well with my muzzleloader. I can make bullets that are the same every time. Ron

[Cowboy T]

Turns out I've got a video series on the Lee Hardness Tester. Here ya go. It's in the "Testing Lead Alloy Strength/Hardness" section.

http://www.sanfranciscoliberalwithagun.com/lead.html

:lovebooli:castmine:

- T

[geargnasher]

Thanks Cowboy T, I'll have to check that out. Your vids have always been informative and entertaining!

Gear

[Trifocals]

Positively the Cabine Tree! I have had the Saeco and The LBT and IMHO, the Cabine Tree is the winner.