What mix of alloy?

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max503 posted this 25 September 2020

 I have three types of lead.  Lino, pure lead, and range scrap.  I'm shooting a 170 grain SWC out of a Rossi 357 rifle.  I've been told straight lino is too hard, and that could be causing some leading problems I'm having.  The bullets get lubed with 45:45:10.

I'm thinking of mixing straight lead and lino 50/50.  Does that sound like a good alloy to use out of a rifle-length barrel?  I use 6 to 6.5 Unique in 357 mag cases.  Thanks.

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Larry Gibson posted this 26 September 2020

I suggest mixing the lino with the lead ant 1 part lino to 3 parts lead [ 3.5 lbs to 6.5 lbs] and then add 2% tin.  That will give you a very good alloy close to COWW + 2% tin.....maybe a bit better.  Will work fine in the 357 Rossi rifle.  

LMG

Concealment is not cover.........

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shuz44 posted this 03 November 2020

I use 10 parts wheel weights to 1 part lino for most of my cast boolit CBA rifle shooting. This is based on a recommendation of C.E. Ed Harris. He said something to the effect that the hardness goes up only about 1 or maybe 2 BHN points in going from 10:1 to 3:1. 

He said save the lino. 

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Duane Mellenbruch posted this 25 September 2020

If you have determined that your cast bullet is at least .001 and preferably .002 larger than the groove diameter, I would just change to a soft wax bullet lube and see if that seals the bore so there is no gas passing on the sides of the bullet.  You can just lightly smear some of the lube into the lube grooves.  Then load and test for leading. 

if you decide to change your alloy, you might consider blending a small amount of lino with the range scrap to harden up the alloy, but only if that is necessary.  Many can shoot range scrap as is if the fit is correct.  you do not mention if the leading is in the throat, at the muzzle, or the entire length, which might also just be an antimony wash.

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Rich/WIS posted this 26 September 2020

I don't shoot any pistol calibers in a rifle but cast for my buddy who does.  Have had no problems with am alloy that approximates COWW with +/- 2% tin, sized .002 over nominal groove diameter.  All are conventional lube bullets lubed with ALOX 50/50 or XLOX 2500.

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BigMan54 posted this 27 October 2020

I agree with Larry. 

That alloy is what I try to use when I first start to workup a load for an unknown gun or new mold.

Sometimes I get lazy and omit the extra tin. Then find I have to add it anyway.

Long time Caster/Reloader, Getting back into it after almost 10yrs. Life Member NRA 40+yrs, Life S.A.S.S. #375. Does this mean a description of me as a fumble-fingered knuckle-draggin' baboon. I also drool in my sleep. I firmly believe that true happiness is a warm gun. Did I mention how much I HATE auto-correct on this blasted tablet.

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max503 posted this 28 October 2020

I've been having better luck with 50/50 lino/sheathing.  Going to try lino/range scrap next.  I'm able to get good, consistent 50 yard groups with 148 grain DEWC's over 3.5 - 3.8 Unique out of my Rossi carbine.  Still can't get the Lee 170 grain swc to shoot out of that gun.

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Eutectic posted this 28 October 2020

I cast my 250 - 260 grain 44 bullets in WW + 1% Tin. I fill the grooves with a soft lube. In my Henry carbine at 1150 fps they shoot clean, 50 rounds leaves no leading.

Steve

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max503 posted this 25 September 2020

I think the leading is just in front of the chamber.  Not really sure.  I've looked with an endoscope but wasn't sure what I was seeing.  How do you tell?  But when I slugged the barrel it got real tight where the rifling began.  

I'm trying to use up some lino.  Got it and some sheathing formed into ingots.  Thought about mixing those 1:1.  I could switch to wax lube, no problem.  

The barrel slugged .357 and I have a .359 push die so that shouldn't be an issue.  

I'm banging my head against the wall trying to find a load that will let me shoot 50 or so shots through this gun without leading.  Folks here suggested my lino bullets were too hard so I'm softening things up.  This is my first real experience shooting any quantity of plain-based bullets through a rifle.  I've always used gas checks in 30-30, 22's and 30-06.

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Ross Smith posted this 28 October 2020

I second Larry's formula. I use 3 COWW to 1 Lino and have no more problems.

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2frogs posted this 19 December 2021

What bhn are most of you using. I have found that my Henry 44 like between 9/11 bun. These are powder coated and sized to 430

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Eutectic posted this 19 December 2021

My WW +1% tin run BHN 10-11. At 1100 -1200 fps in the 44 Mag carbine they work nicely. This is a moderate load.

If you want to push the pressure and velocity up to 1400+ with full magnum loads in 357 or 44 you will probably get better accuracy with 50/50 lino/lead which is 2% tin 6% antimony and runs BHN 18.

You might be able to use the softer alloy with your powder coated bullets at higher velocity. Try the soft alloy first, it may work fine depending on your rifle.

Steve

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