TheCaptain
Hello,
I've received questions in regard to tests done in regard to my Range Lead.
Various people have tested my range lead. The majority arrived at figures ranging from around 11 BHN to 15BHN. One person arrived at 12.5BHN using a Cabine Tree tester. I am a newbie, but back in Nov. 2009, I bought a Cabine Tree tester. And I too arrived at 12.5BHN. Bullshop tests came in at 15BHN.
*** Note added 4/13/10 in regard to the 15BHN reading; more tests were done by Bullshop from lead reclaimed from the same range, but smelted at different times. I provided 2 boxes of lead smelted in December 2009 (so weather temp was probably in high 40's, to mid-50's). And I provided 2 boxes of lead smelted 4/5/10 where the temp was probably in the 60's.
quote: " Results: Three samples from each box as follows
box # 1 dated 12/10 12.5, 12, 12.5
box # 2 dated 12/10 13, 12.5, 13.5
box # 3 dated 4/5/10 11.5, 11.5, 10
box # 4 dated 4/5/10 10, 10, 10
So it looks like there was at least some age hardening there. I guess the mystery is why was the first box so much harder at BHN-15? If the ingots were thinner and the air temp at the time of casting cooler and may have caused them to cool faster that may have had an effect." end of quote.
In regard to that one box of lead coming in at 15BHN that I sold to Bullshop a few months ago. A POSSIBILITY: I did a cleanout of a range that had lead building up for about 3 to 4 years in 2 ports (I did the cleanout Fall of 2009). So, if I shipped lead from that range to Bullshop, and seeing that I had to chip away at long chunks running up the back wall, perhaps due to age (and pounding), it came in at 15 BHN??? I don't know. At that range, I did not separate out the "new lead" (loose) from the "old lead" (chunks). I had others report around 12.5. I guess, bottom line, when you get range lead, it can be a mixed bag. And I am not going to go nutz separating out chunks (which I can get from time to time) and separate out ingots. TOO MUCH DRAMA! It is what it is, and I am going my best to accurately describe my lead. end of 04/13/10 note ***
Also, another forum member recently tested my range lead ingots derived from 2 different indoor ranges. His tester is a Lee. The lead from one range was a mix of many years, due to not cleaning out the range. That sample tested at 13.4 and the other (lead cleaned out twice a year), tested at 11.
I must note that I do pick up lead from a few indoor ranges and so I can't make an absolute guarantee that the BHN numbers will be the same. But what I can say is that some ranges shoot mostly .22's, while other ranges shoot a more balance mix - ranging from .22 on up to .45acp. I am far from being an expert in regard to the hardness and properties of the lead reclaimed so I hope this description will suffice. I do my best to describe my lead and leave the final tests for hardness up to the customer.
In regard to Wheel Weight lead hardness: as I have already indicated in post 16, some forum members reported back to me that it tests at around 9BHN. However, I am getting readings higher, and because I am a newbie, apparentely I am not yet consistent with that first touch of the point on the lead. I am getting around 12-14 BHN.
The Cabine Tree Lead Hardness Cross Reference sheet states:
New WW 12.5 (est)
Aged WW 14 (est).
WW vary in composition and your results may vary slightly. The new WW reading was taken at 1 day and the old was taken after several months.
Perhaps some forum members who have purchased my WW lead and, if they read this, may post their results here in this thread. Again, I am a newbie, I describe my lead to the best of my ability. I don't know the age of the WW's when I collect them (impossible), so it is a mixed bag. I would like to think that a boolit caster can make the necessary adjustments? Selling to boolit casters is a new venue for me. Previously, most of my lead was sold to people who cast fishing sinkers; and I did custom 25 pound ingots for use in weighting race cars and as ballast in fishing boats. I am trying to help people out here, and I feel that I offer my lead at a very fair price. As I mention in post 16:
I will advise that I am no "expert", and I have done the best I can to describe my lead. I rely on the customer to do their own tests {if necessary} and make adjustments accordingly. My previous venue was that of fishing sinkers and I found that there was no need to be so detailed.
I gladly accept returns and will refund money (by the pound) for any unsmelted ingots returned, in addition to return postage up to $10.20. However, I have never, ever had anyone return my lead to me since I started my casting operation back in Feb. 2007.
However, I ask you NOT to purchase my lead if you have any reservations in regard to "working with it" after I have done my best to describe my lead, in addition to report what other Boolit casters have determined in regard to the hardness of my lead. I have a steady supply of customers outside of this forum that I can sell to (at a higher price), so I don't need any undue drama over BHN's.
It is what it is.
With kind regards,
~ Newbie Kathie
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Reply With Quote
Hi Kathie!!
This was in regard to testing "soft lead" hardness and pure lead; I am so sorry for my oversight! This tired ol' lady may be looking in the wrong place, since possibly this exchange of correspondence took place via E-Mail. I will have to plow through E-Mails next! 
