Author Topic: Speaking of casting for cowboys.... (Read 565 times)

107ch · « **on:** June 19, 2003, 12:15:50 PM »

I have a question. I have done all of my casting for BP loads. Using wheel weights with nothing added. I need to cast for some smokeless loads, also for cowboy (low velocity). Do I need to add tin to the mix? if so how much? I also have about 100 lbs of sheet lead. I have no idea how pure that stuff is either. It is soft so I know I will need to add some tin to it, but what ratio do you look for for smokeless loads??20:1 or harder?? Thanks,
Dennis

John Traveler · « **Reply #1 on:** June 19, 2003, 12:34:51 PM »

I've always had very satisfactory cast lead bullets for smokeless loads made from straight wheel weights. The exceptions would 9mm, .357, and ,.44 Magnum or rifle loads above 1000 fps using non-gas-checked bullets.

For low-velocity CAS loads, straight WW will be fine. Pure lead will not normally flow well until a few % of tin is added.
The real reason for adding 2-10% tin to the melt is to improve flow characteristics for better mold fill-out.

I usually just add 50/50% common bar solder when I can get it, or the more common thick wire solder. If you melt in big batches (30-40 lb crucible) and flux thoroughly, the melt will be uniform from one pot to the next.

Lone Yankee · « **Reply #2 on:** June 19, 2003, 02:03:25 PM »

I have used WW for moderate velocit ammunition for years. I find ww plus pure lead (50-50) works very well for .45-70 loads.

Lone

Cheyenne Ranger · « **Reply #3 on:** June 20, 2003, 04:47:14 AM »

Gotta agree with the pards: straight WW do a might fine job. I use them to cast 9mm, 38/357, 40, 45 and 45 LC. All seem to do fine (though I'm not pushing them too hard).

Black Jaque Janaviac · « **Reply #4 on:** June 27, 2003, 04:46:24 AM »

My suggestion is to save the soft lead for muzzle loading balls. Wheel weights seem easy enough to come by. Pure lead on the other hand is either hard to find, or spendy. Plumbers just aren't digging up much lead pipe any more.

Since we're close by you may want to consider trading wheel weights for the sheet lead.

BTW, we should get together again. I picked up a piece of 16" well casing and made a long-range gong. Makes an audible ring at 200 yards that can be heard with earplugs in.

Pigeonroost Slim · « **Reply #5 on:** July 07, 2003, 08:02:15 AM »

That sheet lead is as near pure as you will find.

With lead being dropped form many if not most applications; ya could wonder why the price has not dropped to reflect reduced demand.