This section is for reloading and ammunition only, all loads found in here are used strictly at your own risk, if in doubt ask again.
All handloading data posted on Full-Bore UK from 23/2/2021 must reference the published pressure tested data it was sourced from, posts without such verification will be removed.
Any existing data without such a reference should treated as suspect and not used.
Forum rules
All handloading data posted on Full-Bore UK from 23/2/2021 must reference the published pressure tested data it was sourced from, posts without such verification will be removed.
Any existing data without such a reference should be treated as suspect and not used.
Use reloading information posted here at your own risk. This forum (http://www.full-bore.co.uk) is not responsible for any property damage or personal injury as a consequence of using reloading data posted here, the information is individual members findings and observations only. Always verify the load data and be absolutely sure your firearm can handle the load, especially older ones. If in doubt start low and work your way up.
Hi all,
I have a load of "muffin" ingots (each one is about 2lbs in weight) that I have cast from indoor range lead. I don't have a clue about the hardness of this lead and after several hours of "googling" I've come2 to the conclusion that the hardness could be anything. One forum member described range lead as to "life is like a box of chocolates" I thought that was quite apt.
I'd like to cast these for my 38/357 marlin for indoors (25 yards) and hard enough to be pushed out to 100yds without leading. Some forums say the range lead will be fine and others say it would be too soft and will need antimony and tin.
Until I know the ingot hardness I'm at a loss as to how much to add.
I'm in the Bracknell area and wondering if there is that might be able to help me determine the hardness?
John,
You wont have any issue with range lead for that use.
Its pretty much all I have ever used in the past 30 years or so.
I have "special" alloy that I use for full bore but they are doing 2100fps so care is needed!
A load for 25 generally works ok at 100. You just need to find the drop, typically about a foot.
I will be in touch about you coming over for a session in the next two or three weeks.
I haven`t forgotten!
Tony
I just wanted to get a few things sorted so I'm clued up enough when I come over.
I'm really worried about making a load of bullets but the lead is too soft.
I can't thank you enough for this.
Soft bullets don't cause leading, poor bullet fit and too hard an alloy are the main causes of leading with lube being a distant third reason.
Most bullets are made far too hard for their application, this is because bullet manufacturers don't want them getting dinged up in transit not for the good of the shooter.
Range scrap should be absolutely fine for your 357 magnum load, it is a low velocity round.
Just ensure that the boolit you choose fits the throat and/or is 1-2 thou over groove diameter, I have a hardness tester but rarely use it other than out of curiosity, I've successfully cast and shot hundreds of thousands of bullets over the years without the benefit of a hardness tester and never felt disadvantaged.
Cast up your bullets and get them to fit the gun and you will be fine.
Come on Bambi get some
Imperial Good Metric Bad
Analogue Good Digital Bad
Hardcast bullets can and do shoot very well but the boolit fit is even more crucial to get them to shoot consistently without fouling, than with more appropriate softer alloys.
The lube on commercial boolits leaves a lot to be desired as well, again it tends to be hard and waxy so as to resist the rigours of transit rather than help the boolit shoot consistently
The whole point of cast bullets is that it is relatively easy to get boolits to fit the rifle unlike the condom bullet shooters who have to get rifles to fit the bullets.
Come on Bambi get some
Imperial Good Metric Bad
Analogue Good Digital Bad
that might be able to help me determine the hardness?
