LEAD SLINGERS... what Brinell hardness?

NordicRX8 · Post by **NordicRX8** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 8:01 am

Hello all,

I was wondering if those who reload lead have any concerns over the hardness of the projectiles you shoot.

I'm not concerned about it for shooting .45 auto, as I normally shoot at "target" velocities, but being the proud owner of two different weapons that chamber the .460 Rowland, I'm planning on pushing these bullets a little faster (1300-1600 fps). Whats the fastest I can push lead without gas checks on a 'typical' lead (if there is one) bullet. Is there a range of hardness everyone uses? Will and extremely hard bullet not seal properly against the bore (lands/grooves)?

Thanks!
8

Post by **evan price** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 9:17 am

Typically I shoot bullets in the 18 brinell range for most pistols. These are going to be typically wheel weight alloys, 92/6/2. I try to keep under 1000 fps.
My 9mm I buy 21 brinell in order to push them at higher (FMJ) velocities. These are harder alloys, 90/8/2. I push them at close to 1200 fps with no gas checks. It is best to order them slightly oversized in order to assure yourself that they will fully seal the barrel.

willbird · Post by **willbird** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 2:52 pm

I drop mine from the mold into cold water in a 5 gallon bucket with a terry clothe towel in the bottom.

I have never measured brinell hardness. The one nice thing about doing them this way is that the water prevents damage allowing me to get 500 or more in the bucket before I have to stop casting and pull them out.

I then dry them on a 2x4 frame covered with plastic window screen, this screen is sold as pet claw resistant.

Less anybody shriek about water near molten lead, the lead pot is 30" or more higher then the bucket of water.

Bill