Lead question

[David G]

Hi, I've located some lead plates. They measure around 4 inch x 6 inch and around 1 1/2 inch thick. Probably around 150 pds worth. They were used under carpet tufting machines to lessen noise and vibrations,etc.. I can scratch them pretty easily with my thumbnail but they seem a tad bit harder than the roof sheeting I've picked up earlier. It's hard to tell without a tester and I know this question is a long shot but just checking to see if anyone has had any experience with these. I'd be shooting these in a rifled gun. Also, can anyone recommend an affordable lead hardness tester that is accurate ? Thanks in advance, I'll check back later on this evening. :thumbsup:

 

[longrifle78]

My tester is my finger nail,if you can gouge it with your nail you should be good to go.Just cast up a few and shoot em and see how they do.

 

[RiverRat]

I was given 4 lead plate like you described. They were a real pain cutting up so they would fit in my melting pot, however, they made some really good rb's. My thumb nail was my only tester.

 

[bingo1952]

If they were subjected to a lot of weight plus vibration they may be slightly work hardened. I'll bet when they are melted and cast the balls will be plenty soft.

 

[cowpoke1955]

I think the others are right. That lead sounds like it will make some great balls. Even if you have to get a hammer and chisel to cut chunks to fit in your melting pot, it will be worth the effort. Seems like lead is getting harder to come by, so consider yourself lucky :thumbsup: .

 

[David G]

Thanks guys for the replies. I may go ahead and make the purchase as it sounds like it should be plenty enough soft to shoot well. :thumbsup:

 

[gmww]

I was given 4 lead plate like you described. They were a real pain cutting up so they would fit in my melting pot, however, they made some really good rb's. My thumb nail was my only tester.

Camp stove and a cast iron pot works great. Of course you won't be able to use the pot for anything edible again. :thumbsup:

 

[Idaho Ron]

I can easily scratch lead that is 14 BHN. Pure lead is 5 BHN. The drop test will tell you better. If it rings it is hard, if it thunks it is soft.
I have a Cabin Tree tester. It is not cheep but it is an amazingly accurate machine and is easy to use. I got HOSED on "pure" lead on ebay. It was actually 22 BHN. It is the hardest lead I have ever seen tested. For what I got hosed for I could have bought the tester. The thumb nail scratch is not a test in my opinion. Now if you are only shooting RB's you might be fine. I like to customize my lead to a specific hardness and weight for shooting conical’s at long range. I guess it depends on what you are doing as a shooter, and how picky you want to be. Ron