Author Topic: Bullet casting alloys (Read 452 times)

Black Jaque Janaviac · « **on:** April 06, 2004, 11:04:43 AM »

I kinda figured this would be the place to ask about proper alloys for light loads. Do you fellers find regular wheel weights too hard? Do you soften them in any way?

Cheyenne Ranger · « **Reply #1 on:** April 07, 2004, 05:59:50 AM »

I go with striaght WW. Did do some experimenting with harder alloys but WW works fine at CAS speeds. Probably if we pulled them harder there would some leading problems but at current levels no leading problems.

ÇR

Birddog 1 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 19, 2004, 08:42:26 PM »

when casting your WW bullets drop them into a 5gal bucket of water while still hot this will harden then up do it for my M1a bullets works great no leading and right around 2000 fps

Black Jaque Janaviac · « **Reply #3 on:** April 20, 2004, 05:52:58 AM »

Thanks Nim, but I'm going the opposite direction - slower velocity.

I've done the water-drop thing. I think the harder bullets cause leading with lower pressure loads.

I will try HP-38 to see if the faster powder brings the pressure up a tad higher than a low Unique charge.

Cheyenne Ranger · « **Reply #4 on:** April 20, 2004, 06:42:02 AM »

Right about the harder bullets leading at lower speeds. Slower=softer for less leading.

ÇR

Dooly · « **Reply #5 on:** April 25, 2004, 04:17:43 PM »

Straight wheelweights are fine without hardening for low velocity. If .38Sp keep velocity low as the smaller calibers seem to tend to lead more than large bore sizes-dunno why. I have shot thousands in .44 Spec., .45 LC and .45 ACP with no problems. If youhave to harden 60/40 Bar Solder works good. Just add a couple of sticks to the lead pot.