My winter project, testing under way
After following and thinking about this thread some, thought it would be a good idea to attempt it. The thoughts of being able to reclaim my lead was very interesting to say the least. I had an old trailer with not top and access to purchase "scrap" steel at scrap price so when the material presented itself I started collecting.
Last month I finally finished and couldn't wait to try it out. First was some mild 38spl loads using unique and commercial cast 158gr boolits. Used both Rossi .357 Lever action and S&W M15. Picture of the reclaimed lead in the bucket was what we got back shooting from 20-50yds. I knew I wasn't getting 90% but was more concerned with function.
Next I used my Mauser 30-06 and "the load" of 13Gr Red dot at 50yds using Lee C309-200Gr. Shot ten rounds and checked the bucket to my disappointment; mostly dust and not much of it. Troubleshooting began, first thought that my alloy was too hard (knew I mixed Linotype by accident) so went back and made some more boolits with WW alloy. Second attempt resulted in same, a lot of dust and no fragments.
I have found a supply of rubber mats 3/16"-1/4" thick. I am going to mount them on my removable plywood and see how many it takes to slow projectiles down enough and get some of my alloy back.
My main goal was to use this for everything from 22lr up to my 50cal inlines / 20-200yds shooting and recycle as much lead as possible. Good thing I have a nice open space to shot from.
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