More Alloy Questions

[tn_junk]

I'm brand new to casting metallic cartridge bullets. Have been casting minis and balls for my smoke pole for years out of pure lead.
I have the following materials sitting in my garage.

1. Approx 35lbs wheel weights
2. 7 or 8 lbs of linotype
3. 6 to 10 pounds of assorted sizes of birdshot from when I used to load shotgun shells. (back when my eyes were good enough to bird hunt)
4. Approx 10 lbs of 99% pure lead.
5. 1 or 2 pounds of "something". It melts about the same temp as lead but is a little lighter and significantly harder than lead. Doesn't cast worth a darn in mini or ball molds.
6. About 6 pounds of copper plated pistol bullets that a friend pulled out of some loads because he didn't like them.

Just got a couple of Lee moulds, my Lee melting pot (had been using an old camp stove and stainless pan), and sizing dies today. Along with a Lee single stage press. I will be loading for
.38 Spcl., .357 Mag and .30-30.
How would I best use these assorted materials? I have read the Lyman book, and am a little, but just a little, less confused.

Thanks

alan

[mrbill2]

Try this link for some good information
http://www.lasc.us/CastBulletNotes.htm

[tn_junk]

THANKS-

Great website.

alan

[jhalcott]

  I would NOT melt the WW's or other metals in the Lee pot . Save that for casting bullets. the other stuff can be made into ingots with the camp stove and pan.  Depending on the use of your cast bullets (rifle or pistol, hunting,targets) the alloy can be harder than WW's ,or just use them straight. Slug the bore /forcing cone to see how big the bullet should be. Usually about .001 or .002 over the bore diameter works best.  Congratulations on starting a great career.

[Lloyd Smale]

mixing your lino and your wws together would make a great alloy for higher velocity bullets in your 3030 and 357. Mixing your pure and ww together at the ratio you have would make a great alloy for the 38. Or just plain ww will work for anything under 1200 fps if you have good barrels. The shot is going to be close to pure but if it is chilled shot it may have arsnic in it that will help you down the road if you want to start heat treating bullets. The alloy that wont cast id pitch. Its not worth the chance of contaminating what you have with something that doesnt cast and 2 lbs is not enough to bother with anyway. You jacket stuff is probably going to smelt out to pure.

[Larry Gibson]

Agree with Lloyd.

Larry Gibson