20 parts lead to 1 part tin?

cajun47 · June 10, 2007, 01:51 PM

http://www.midwayusa.com/ebrowse.exe...lletcastingcat

is this required for casting 9mm bullets? i have some lead i found but have no idea if it has tin. what the purpose of the 1 part tin? will i harm my barrel without it?

100W_Warlock · June 10, 2007, 05:57 PM

Tin has two properties.

Lowers the melting point and reduces surface tension, just a bit. It makes the alloy easier to fill in the groves, as it were.

Antimony has much of the same properties.

Casting at a higher temp will also help.

a 25lb bag of magnum shot and a 1lb roll of 50/50 solder (tin:lead) will make fantastic alloy for casting 9mm bullets and other 38cal calibers.

crowbeaner · June 10, 2007, 09:11 PM

My usual mix is 18 lbs. WW metal and 2 lbs. of 50/50 solder. I bought quite a lot of solder years ago and got a really good price from a plumbing contractor. With the price of shot going through the roof lately, I'd try the WW mix. The local Goose Hill store is charging 36.99 a bag for Lawrence Magnum shot[we looked last Wed.]. OUCH!

June 10, 2007, 01:51 PM	#1
cajun47 Senior Member Join Date: May 28, 2007 Location: swamp people Posts: 539	20 parts lead to 1 part tin? http://www.midwayusa.com/ebrowse.exe...lletcastingcat is this required for casting 9mm bullets? i have some lead i found but have no idea if it has tin. what the purpose of the 1 part tin? will i harm my barrel without it?

June 10, 2007, 05:57 PM	#2
100W_Warlock Senior Member Join Date: May 23, 2004 Posts: 267	Tin makes the alloy flow easier Tin has two properties. Lowers the melting point and reduces surface tension, just a bit. It makes the alloy easier to fill in the groves, as it were. Antimony has much of the same properties. Casting at a higher temp will also help. a 25lb bag of magnum shot and a 1lb roll of 50/50 solder (tin:lead) will make fantastic alloy for casting 9mm bullets and other 38cal calibers.

June 10, 2007, 09:11 PM	#3
crowbeaner Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Upstate SC Posts: 1,943	My usual mix is 18 lbs. WW metal and 2 lbs. of 50/50 solder. I bought quite a lot of solder years ago and got a really good price from a plumbing contractor. With the price of shot going through the roof lately, I'd try the WW mix. The local Goose Hill store is charging 36.99 a bag for Lawrence Magnum shot[we looked last Wed.]. OUCH!