Best lead alloy for revolver bullets 800 - 1,200 fps ?

[Hammer1]

Using plain-base LBT bullets for cartridges ranging from 41 Magnum and 44 Special on up to 500 Linebaugh, what is the best lead alloy to use ?

Several sources have certified alloys in 20-1 and 30-1 lead-tin mixes and in 84-12-4 and 92-6-2 lead-antimony-tin mixes available in 5 pounds ingots (pugs) which in a 22 pound pot can be used "as is" or in combination, e.g., one ingot of 84-12-4 and three ingots of 20-1.

Know that Lyman #2 and linotype used to be the preferred alloys.  Think Elmer Keith liked 20-1 too.

Again, this is for revolver loads in calibers ranging from 41 to 511 at velocities between 800 and 1,200 fps with plain-base LBT bullets.

Mostly used on paper and steel targets but a live animal has been known to be unlucky enough to walk in front of one incoming.


Will not be using wheel weights or other scrap metals.  No objection to others who do.  Admire them.  My skill level is just not up to it.

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[Larry Gibson]

Order some commercial alloy equivelent to Lyman #2 or linotype.  Many recommend a BHN of 18-22 as best for the PB bullets at higher velocity.  I've always done quite well with #2 or equivelent.  Midway sells NEY alloys. Their "Hardball" is equivelent to #2 alloy and their linotype is, well, linotype.  Numerous other suppliers out there also. Google lead alloy suppliers, you should find one relatively close to where you live.

Larry Gibson

[Lloyd Smale]

#2 would be ideal in those velocity ranges. You could get by with straight ww up to about 1100. Over 1200 and i like 5050 ww/lyno.