Linotype for plain base bullets

[savagelover]

243 cal.
I've been shooting lots of plain base bullets with pretty good success using 1 to 40 alloy. Plain base,no gas check.

I want to try to use a harder bullet to try and increase the velocity,like out to 200 yards. I have some 50/50 linotype and lead mixed up. I'm courious as to if they will work if sized to .244 diameter.

I appreciate any information from those that have used a harder alloy for plain base bullets. John

 

[jmorris]

From a 230 grain mold I can cast bullets as heavy as 240 grains using pure lead and as light as 210 grains using silver solder. The lighter they get, the harder they get.

 

[Hooda Thunkit]

Linotype and lead mixed 50/50 is pretty hard. Why not try 25% linotype first?

That mix is dramatically less expensive, and if it doesn't work you can always remix with more linotype.

 

[lightman]

I think you have a good idea starting at 25% and maybe going to 50-50.

 

[mdi]

I've been a member of castboolits.com since 2007 and any casting, lubing, alloying, shooting question has quickly and accurately answered. Question on alloying? https://castboolits.gunloads.com/forumdisplay.php?57-Lead-and-Lead-Alloys. Personally, the hardest alloy I have used is Lyman #2 clone, BHN 15. I use it for my 30 cal rifle bullets and some hot, "+P+", revolver bullets...

 

[savagelover]

Thanks for the information

 

[JCSC]

Do y’all use the pencil sets to Check hardness?

 

[Sudden Thunder]

243 cal.
I've been shooting lots of plain base bullets with pretty good success using 1 to 40 alloy. Plain base,no gas check.

I want to try to use a harder bullet to try and increase the velocity,like out to 200 yards. I have some 50/50 linotype and lead mixed up. I'm courious as to if they will work if sized to .244 diameter.

I appreciate any information from those that have used a harder alloy for plain base bullets. John

If “linotype” mix proves to be harder than you really want - perhaps considering “wheel weight” mix might prove more practical for lower velocity expansion and less frangible

 

[savagelover]

I'm trying a 50/50 with a bhn of 14. Thanks

Wheel weights area thing of the past in N E Pa...

 

[AJC1]

I'm trying a 50/50 with a bhn of 14. Thanks

Wheel weights area thing of the past in N E Pa...

Seems reasonable

 

[Jim Watson]

Half Linotype is commercial “Magnum” alloy.

 

[AJC1]

Half Linotype is commercial “Magnum” alloy.

By magnum I infer you mean pistol...

 

[Jim Watson]

No, that is the brand name, Lawrence Magnum. Rotometals Hardball.
92-6-2

Linotype
84-12-4

 

[Docendo Discimus]

50/50 linotype and lead

That should work like a dream with a good lube or powdercoat.

 

[243winxb]

Harder alloys hold up better with higher pressures.

Slower burn rates of powder are better.

 

[Jim Watson]

Back when wheelweights were of that standard alloy, they also contained a trace of arsenic which would trigger a heat treatment reaction. Nearly as hard as Linotype and a lot cheaper.
But now they are random scrap or lead free.

 

[243winxb]

My local Pa. neighborhood garage guy was still getting lead WW from auto parts house. We ask them while i was there.
Last i got WW from him was 5 or 6 years ago? All good for casting, after removing a few zinc ones. Free too.
But then he retired. Have not ask new owner.
When asking for free WW, remember they are for "fishing sinkers". Avoid the anti gun folks.

 

[savagelover]

My local Pa. neighborhood garage guy was still getting lead WW from auto parts house. We ask them while i was there.
Last i got WW from him was 5 or 6 years ago? All good for casting, after removing a few zinc ones. Free too.
But then he retired. Have not ask new owner.
When asking for free WW, remember they are for "fishing sinkers". Avoid the anti gun folks.

Just where in pa is this..

 

[lightman]

Do y’all use the pencil sets to Check hardness?

No, I don't. I have heard that they work really well. I splurged and bought a Cabine Tree tester.

 

[AJC1]

I use a lee tester...

 

[mdi]

I use a Lee tester also. But not the microscope provided in the kit. I use calipers and my magnifying visor. With a strong light, it's easy to "bracket" the dimple with the caliper jaws and get a good dimple diameter. Diameter to BHN is in Lee's chart. https://leeprecision.com/files/instruct/LT2140.pdf page 3

 

[243winxb]

where in pa

Phoenixville PA, the auto parts house supplies small garages, owner operated. They deliver all auto parts, to the garages in the area. Forget their name.

Wheel weights & batteries are sold to scrap dealers that pick it up.

If they sell tires- Ask your mechanic for WW, to make sinkers. Buying new tires? Ask them. 1 time a new car dealers mechanic slipped about 20 lbs of WW into my car, while no one was looking.
Never hurts to ask.

 

[savagelover]

View attachment 1155303 Harder alloys hold up better with higher pressures.

Slower burn rates of powder are better.

Appreciate all your experience with this. Thanks