Wreck-n-Crew
New member
First I might point out that I have a few lead sources in wheel weights. I have 30lb on hand and can get as much as I need for shooting from two sources. The thing is I know I would like to harden them a little to get them ready for 9mm and 45acp to start so any suggestions on mixtures (solder?) etc would be awesome. I am looking to get a BHN of 18 or more and suggestions there as far as 45acp vs 9mm would be helpful too (I think 45 can be 18 as well, but can't remember).
If I understand what I have read thus far it would be best to get it smelted down and skimmed off before mixing the tin/antimony. After Smelting and mixing do I pour to ingots or do I smelt and skim then pour into ingots and add my tin/antimony later before casting?
I know an old guy who does some casting and can get some help from him but he doesn't mix his lead and buys it premixed. So other than actually using the ingots to meltdown and cast I think he can't help me.
I was thinking a cast iron pot for smelting and something separate for casting. I would like to do this on a budget, but If i really need something I should not skimp on let me know! I am planning on small batches casting (2,000 max) and large batches smelting so my casting pot can be smaller.
Molds? Are Lees finicky? Also water drop better for hardness? Sorry for throwing so much out there at once and I don't expect one person to have to answer it all.
I have a propane heat source, Lead wheel weights, 3gallon cast Iron Pot, Scale for weighing bullets, place outdoors, Welding gloves, Leather apron,
Need bullet Molds, casting pot, thermometer, Slotted spoon, Ladle, Ingot molds, and?
Thanks, Wreck
If I understand what I have read thus far it would be best to get it smelted down and skimmed off before mixing the tin/antimony. After Smelting and mixing do I pour to ingots or do I smelt and skim then pour into ingots and add my tin/antimony later before casting?
I know an old guy who does some casting and can get some help from him but he doesn't mix his lead and buys it premixed. So other than actually using the ingots to meltdown and cast I think he can't help me.
I was thinking a cast iron pot for smelting and something separate for casting. I would like to do this on a budget, but If i really need something I should not skimp on let me know! I am planning on small batches casting (2,000 max) and large batches smelting so my casting pot can be smaller.
Molds? Are Lees finicky? Also water drop better for hardness? Sorry for throwing so much out there at once and I don't expect one person to have to answer it all.
I have a propane heat source, Lead wheel weights, 3gallon cast Iron Pot, Scale for weighing bullets, place outdoors, Welding gloves, Leather apron,
Need bullet Molds, casting pot, thermometer, Slotted spoon, Ladle, Ingot molds, and?
Thanks, Wreck