I have some Linotype - about 100lbs...

[rellis1962]

I understand that this stuff is used by some to cast bullets.  The stuff I have is at least 50 years old (probably a lot older) and has no oxidation.  It looks like new metal.  Is it something that is desired by those who cast there own bullets?

[Lead pot]

Rellis it can be.
Depending what your loading for. I wouldn't use it for round balls fer the muzzle loader.
But if you shoot a lot of pistol bullets or the high speed rifles using the other powder or even BPCR ( I know some curse Antimony) a small amount don't hurt a thing it even helps fill the problem moulds some.
I have used a lot of Lyman #2 alloy for all of my shooting. But I do draw the line for my Sharps loading's, I keep it soft 1-40 tin-lead one as hard as 1-25 for those.
But for the Cowboy type of shooting or Bull's eye pistol #2 is great.
My #2 alloy is-
4 lbs line-O-type
1 lb 50/50 solder
5 lbs Lead

Kurt

[ShortStake]

rellis 1962,

In my opinion, if your linotype has been lying around for 50 years and has no oxidation it most likely has had virtually alll the lead and tin boiled out of it in a type setters pot.  Linotype had a heavy dose of antimony to begin with as it was needed for the type setting chore for which it was purchased.  Most newspaper operations recycled their set type on a daily basis back into the melting pot above the type setting machine.

Can stilll hear the clackity-clack of a fast typer on a type setting machine.

Bet on it, you will need to add some lead and tin to your existing linotype.  How much?  Good guess for sure.  The ole thumb nail scratching on the lead bar routine won't tell you much.

Let us know the lead/tin content of your treasure trove of linotype. 

[rellis1962]

How would I determine the lead/tin content?  The stuff I have was part of a large antique printing press that was in the garage of an old house I bought years back.  The latest piece of print that I could find was date 1953.   It appears that it was more of a hobby for the previous owner.  Press is in a state of repair.  Not sure how much this stuff has been recycled.  Maybe not as much as stuff at a large printing operation.  If any of you guys are interested in this stuff let me know.

[Graybeard]

If you want to sell it post it to the Classifieds Forum. It can be hand from about fifty cents to a dollar a pound generally speaking. Shipping is a major deal as the stuff is heavy as lead.  Flat rate USPS boxes are the way to ship.

[Lead pot]

rellis.
Linotype will melt at around 465 degs give or take a couple degs.
Beings your old stuff is so shine, it could be Mono type, which has a lot more tin and antimony. 9% tin 19% antimony 72% lead.
I don't know for sure if they ever added Arsenic to it to harden it or not, Arsenic will also keep it shine.

Kurt

[TexasMac]

rellis1962,
It's would be of interest to a lot of hardcast bullet shooters, guys loading for the heavier pistol caliber (.44 mag & up) and for cast bullet rifle shooters.  Since you live in the Houston area I suggest you list the stuff on Graybeard's classified forum or one of the cast bullet or handloading forums.  You should be able to get a buck a pound from someone in your area, maybe a little less.

List it on one of cast bullet or handloacing foumns here or:

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/index.php?
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/handloading/