Zinc versus Lead for larger shot?

[VA Rifleman]

I see several people prefer Zinc over Lead when casting shot.  I have a 2.5" shooter, looking to cast and was wondering about the advantages and disadvantages of Zinc over Lead?

My apologies if this subject has been covered before and I missed it.

You folks have an awesome site!

[Cat Whisperer]

VA rifleman -

Welcome to the board!

Zinc has about the same mass as iron/steel.  Therefore is closer to the original solid cannon balls.  Mortars generally shot hollow (filled with black powder) spheres - which weighed in even less.

Lead being more dense would provide much higher pressures.

[Cat Whisperer]

Where in Virginia?

[oyvind]

I see several people prefer Zinc over Lead when casting shot.  I have a 2.5" shooter, looking to cast and was wondering about the advantages and disadvantages of Zinc over Lead?

My apologies if this subject has been covered before and I missed it.

You folks have an awesome site!

Regarding the projectile and the weight and pressure.
If we increase the weight of the projectile by 50% and use the same amount of gunpowder, then the pressure will be "twice as high".
And recoil will be very strong.
This is scary if you are not aware of the facts.
It must be very solid built ...

mvh

[Double D]

Because of its weight, it is very easy to damage lead shot. Damaged lead shoot can hang up in the bore when loaded.

One  2.5" round lead ball weigh 2.5 lbs, 10 balls weigh 25 lbs.   One zinc 2.5" ball weighs 1.4 lbs and 10 balls weigh 14 lbs.  Moving 25 lbs of lead balls around is a back breaker and increases the likely hood the balls will get damaged.  14 lbs of Zinc isn't any picnic, but moving the balls around isn't going hurt the balls.

It only takes a little more heat to cast zinc. 

Zinc shot can often be recovered and reshot.  Lead can often be recovered, but it will have to be recast again before it can be reshot.

Using the same loads pressure of course will be higher in the lead loads.    You will have to reduce loads substantially for lead.  This will result in slower velocities and greater elevation changes to hit targets.

Zinc will preform more like the original cast iron shot being closer in weight.

[VA Rifleman]

Where in Virginia?

I'm in a little place called Jetersville. Right on the path of Lee's retreat to Appomattox.  A very minor skirmish called "The battle of Amelia Springs" went through my prorperty.

[VA Rifleman]

Oh, okay, It's about density, the ability to recover and re-use, lower pressures (always good) and higher velocities that go along with those lower pressures.  Thanks everyone!

[Cat Whisperer]

Where in Virginia?

I'm in a little place called Jetersville. Right on the path of Lee's retreat to Appomattox.  A very minor skirmish called "The battle of Amelia Springs" went through my prorperty.

I've driven through the area many times.  (Used to drill in Richmond and I live in Pulaski, very familiar with 460/307/360).