Originally Posted by
Petander
Hello everyone.
My big pre-mixed WW/Lino batch from decades ago has Niobium as a contaminant. Hi Tek won't bond as good as it should. It took me a while to find out, maybe Niobium came from the lino/mono. I got it analyzed and this was the only odd thing - there are traces of copper,too. Pretty high in tin and antimony.
When I soak my bullets in 30% muriatic acid overnight they become black. I rinse them clean in water and dry. Then Hi Tek bonds and shoots great. 2000 fps with 45-70 and 470 NE, for example.
PC does not need this process. But PC is paint, Hi Tek bonds with the alloy and contaminants can interfere. I use both.
Make sure your coating / drying process is right. Maybe drop a bullet in muriatic acid and see if anything happens? If it starts to bubble,there is something reacting with the acid.
Good luck!