Testing of unknown alloys

[gns4me]

Where can I get my alloy/raw ingots tested? Does anybody know? I am looking to see what the composition really is. Lead , Tin , Antimony , etc .

[Edward429451]

They sell bullet hardness testers fairly cheap. They have charts online that give the different alloys hardnesses so you go through and test them and can get a good idea of what they are and what they need.

[contender1]

Hardness won't give you the alloy content.

I know we've had a few folks here that have a way to test an alloy.

And also,, some scrap yards have a way to test an alloy.

[mehavey]

See https://castboolits.gunloads.com/sho...=1#post5709226

There are likely other testing options/suggestions others here might have.
But ATS is the sine qua non/cat's meow.

[Idz]

does it really matter what the alloy is as long as it shoots well and doesn't lead the barrel?

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

Send a sample to BNE, be sure to follow directions.

https://castboolits.gunloads.com/sho...0426-XRF-Gripe

[gns4me]

Thank you for your guidance and responses. When i get done with the next couple of batches I will start to get them analysed.

[dr_rick]

Beware ingots that contain zinc if you're using a bottom flow lead pot. You can drip some muriatic acid on the lead and if it has a reaction, it most likely contains zinc.

[jsizemore]

See https://castboolits.gunloads.com/sho...=1#post5709226

There are likely other testing options/suggestions others here might have.
But ATS is the sine qua non/cat's meow.

What's the charge for testing?

[fredj338]

I dont bother. I have known pure lead & lino ingots. If i have mystery metal i just bang it against the lead or lino. If it dents it will make a bullet.

[popper]

I just put a known alloy bullet in a vice with unknown, squish hard. Look at the dents on both to determine if it's 'good' enough.

[racepres]

I just put a known alloy bullet in a vice with unknown, squish hard. Look at the dents on both to determine if it's 'good' enough.

^^^ my Method...Extremely Scientific!!!

[dtknowles]

I just put a known alloy bullet in a vice with unknown, squish hard. Look at the dents on both to determine if it's 'good' enough.

Put a ball bearing in between ingots in the vice squish hard for a better test.

[gns4me]

well I'm smelting organ pipes and they have high tin to lead ratio. Known alloy will be able to add to other lead and still not waste the tin.... Lowest is like 50/50 solder.

[kevin c]

If you want exact content because you want to make exactly the same composition alloy over multiple batches using varied source metals (because your application demands it, because you’re OC like me or just because you can), then XRF is your friend.

I second BNE’s service wholeheartedly.

[BJung]

I have a lot of ingots of the same alloy. I want to do the same as you but have instead just cast increments of the unknown alloy with varying amounts of tin in comparison to MV. For rifle bullets, an African reloader would find an accuracy load or an unknown alloy with decent Bhn and then start adding lead until printed groups started to open up.

[lightman]

I've used BNE on this site several times. His turn-around time is pretty quick. Be sure to follow his directions. This site is lucky to have him offering this service.