How hard is my lead?

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CANNONMAN

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I've got a whole bunch of lead. Before we moved I knew which was which. Some is pure, some wheel weights and some type set. And some is ??? I no longer have a method to determine which is which. Anybody have a hack that might work? I doubt it matters but there's probably about 1.5 tons. The wheel and pure lead I want for cannon balls. the harder stuff for my trusty .50.
 
Do you want to make your own tester or buy one?
Here's an article describing several different methods to determine lead hardness including a chart for using pencils:---->>> http://www.texas-mac.com/Evaluations_and_Recommendations_for_Lead-Alloy_Hardness_Testers.html

The article sends you to this thread about how to test using pencil lead of different hardness which might work well enough for your needs:--->>> http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?75455-Testing-hardness-with-pencils
One post said that a pencil set can be purchased at Walmart for $10 or less that can give you the relative hardness of your lead.
The main problem with testing lead is that after it's cast, the lead ages and can become harder.

One of the best hardness test devices is probably also double the price of the Lee tester. It was made by Cabin Tree [until he sold his business].
It's available here:--->>> http://cowboybullets.com/Lead-Tester_p_57.html
And here:--->>> https://www.buffaloarms.com/bullet-...ers/lead-hardness-tester-standard-model-ctlt1

There's info here with links to instructions:--->>> http://www.castingstuff.com
Instructions--->>> http://www.castingstuff.com/cabinetree_llc___lead_testers.htm
There are also youtube videos about it and other methods.
 
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The pencil hardness test works for me and will definitely differentiate between pure, wheel weights and type material. Just read and follow the directions for the test method to get proper results.
 
I've got a set of Staedtler art pencils that I've been using. And there's a chart around the web somewhere that equates specific pencils to the hardness levels. It's certainly good enough to spot dead soft vs harder. I keep the really soft stuff for my C&B revolvers and the rest gets cast as patched round ball or now I'm doing some .38-55 bullet casting too.

If you like the pencil idea try Staples and Office Depot. Otherwise Amazon.
 
If I can dent it with my thumbnail then it is soft enough for my percussion revolvers. If I cant dent it with thumbnail pressure then I cast cartridge projectiles with it.

Crude but effective is my motto!
 
Well done Articap.

Somewhere in the house I have a lead hardness tester.
 
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