I have literally melted tons of scrap lead alloys including recovered range lead, telephone cable sheathing, lead pipe, wheel weights, and etc. Typically, I will make about 500-1000 lbs. of ingots in a session (with help). My set up is the common turkey fryer with a Harbor Freight cast iron dutch oven. My pot will handle about 120 lbs. of melted bullet metal.
I, through the help of a friend, picked up 100 lbs. of recovered lead shot. It is high antimony shot, reportedly, in a bucket. It apparently has been washed but as most know, it is not "CLEAN", clean. The individual pellets are, of course, "dirty". Now, past experience with lead pipe, tells me the dirt will have absorbed moisture. So, I will NOT be adding dirty shot to melted metal.
My plan is to start with a pot nearly full of cold, but dirty shot. I will heat it up with the hopes of the moisture escaping SAFELY while the lead shot comes up to melt temperature, then fluxing (liberally), cleaning the melted metal and pouring ingots.
Now, here is my concern: With the density of the lead shot (packed closely together, unlike bigger pieces) safely allow the moisture to escape, as the shot warms to melt temperature?
I am NOT asking for a guarantee, here, but merely to benefit from those who have melted recovered lead shot. I DO NOT need a visit from the tinsel fairy.
Thanking you in advance,
Dale53