MDJ, just something to be aware of....many of those wheel weights are now made from zinc. You need to sort carefully. If you get a single zinc weight melted into the lead weights, you can ruin a complete batch of bullet metal. The zinc creates problems with clean castings. So if you get those weights, sort carefully. Many are marked Zn, but others aren't. When it comes to sorting remember this rule. When in doubt, throw it out.
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if not sure get side cutters out you'll know the diff right there.
the 303 uses regular 30 cal checks.
if you are using alox just that is fine if it gives you problems then do a second coat.
not my system but it works for most poof cast loads.
Last edited by runfiverun; 09-06-2009 at 01:09 PM.
Use a thermometer when melting your lead, don't let it get about 700 and you don't have to worry about the zinc weights they will just float on top and you skim them off.
Also a few tricks for identifying weights. The side cutter works well but is time consuming. The easiest way I have found is throw your weight in question on the concrete, if it tings it steel or zinc, if it thuds its lead.
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MDJ, just something to be aware of....many of those wheel weights are now made from zinc. You need to sort carefully. If you get a single zinc weight melted into the lead weights, you can ruin a complete batch of bullet metal. The zinc creates problems with clean castings. So if you get those weights, sort carefully. Many are marked Zn, but others aren't. When it comes to sorting remember this rule. When in doubt, throw it out.
I'm a little confused here about zinc. Earlier threads I read here on G&G suggested to cast bullets for high velocity rounds using ratio 50/50 zinc and lead. I bought a bar at the hardware store because of that info. In the near future I'm planning on casting .303s using that ratio.
I'm a little confused here about zinc. Earlier threads I read here on G&G suggested to cast bullets for high velocity rounds using ratio 50/50 zinc and lead. I bought a bar at the hardware store because of that info. In the near future I'm planning on casting .303s using that ratio.
I don't know where you thought you saw that but zinc is a no-no in bullet casting. if you still have your receipt get your money back on the zinc. hopefully you have not melted and mixed it yet.
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Originally Posted by mdj696 I'm a little confused here about zinc. Earlier threads I read here on G&G suggested to cast bullets for high velocity rounds using ratio 50/50 zinc and lead. I bought a bar at the hardware store because of that info. In the near future I'm planning on casting .303s using that ratio.
Are you sure that wasn't 50/50 WW/Linotype, 50/50 Lead/Lino, or 9lbs WW 1lb 50/50 bar solder?
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zinc is not a no-no in lead alloys it is just not very soluble and must be kept in the 1-2% range no more then that or you will have issues.
it can be used but you have to use high temperatures in the alloy and the mold.
it adds hardness but...
