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Casting with reclaimed backstop lead

Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2018 6:06 pm
by JohnE
I recently cast some lead reclaimed from the range backstop in a Lee pot after sieving and cleaning as far as possible, then cleaned the crud off the top but still left a lot of ash stuck in the lead pot to clean afterwards so not to be recommended. Best to melt it down in a pot a couple of times before hand, cleaning off the muck each time.
JohnE

Re: Casting with reclaimed backstop lead

Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2018 6:26 pm
by Gh0st
we used to have a few members at my old club who did this. Cost effective way of shooting lots of gallery rifle rounds!

Re: Casting with reclaimed backstop lead

Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2018 6:41 pm
by JohnE
And of course the content should have about the right amount of lead, antimony and tin.
JohnE

Re: Casting with reclaimed backstop lead

Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2018 6:46 pm
by dodgyrog
JohnE wrote:And of course the content should have about the right amount of lead, antimony and tin.
JohnE
Actually, I find the backstop lead to be too hard. I cut it with a third of pure lead (scrap flashing or pipes) from the the local scrap dealer.

Re: Casting with reclaimed backstop lead

Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2018 6:46 pm
by Dahonis
I believe trace elements of Arsenic as well if smallbore. 22 has been used.

Good cheap plinking lead. I mix 50/50 with pure lead. Unsure of the end BHN, but it does what I need it for.

Re: Casting with reclaimed backstop lead

Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2018 6:47 pm
by Dahonis
dodgyrog wrote:
JohnE wrote:And of course the content should have about the right amount of lead, antimony and tin.
JohnE
Actually, I find the backstop lead to be too hard. I cut it with a third of pure lead (scrap flashing or pipes) from the the local scrap dealer.
You are the local scrap dealer lol

Re: Casting with reclaimed backstop lead

Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2018 7:40 pm
by Woodshot
signfunnypost
Nice one Chris,
lol lol lol

Re: Casting with reclaimed backstop lead

Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2018 5:45 am
by dromia
Antimony and arsenic are not really helpful at most cast bullet velocities below 2000 fps, as has been said range scrap is invariably too hard and will need cutting at least 50-50 with pure lead.

it is indeed folly to smelt and clean your alloy in the same pot that you use for casting.