Hardness tester

SDiver40 · May 14, 2007, 05:42 PM

Hello
Just wondering if anyone has used one of these testers and how well they work?

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...eitemid=731364
Thanks much

benedict1 · May 14, 2007, 05:49 PM

I think it's 5 bucks cheaper here--and S&H will be less, I'm certain.

http://www.kempfgunshop.com/products.../leadtest.html

snuffy · May 14, 2007, 06:47 PM

Yes, they work quite well. It lets you know what hardness your bullet is. The microscope takes a lot of getting used to, It's best to have the indented side of the lead on a firm well lit surface, then manuvure the microscope over to take a reading.

The method used is to take a file, make a flat surface on the bullet/lead, then put it into the "V" block that takes the place of the shell holder. It is then held against the ball on the end of the tester for 60 seconds while the shaft is even with the top end of the die. This exerts 60# on the lead being tested for a known time.
Then the width of the dimple/dent is measured by looking through the microscope to compare the dimple with the built in scale in the scope. A sheet with instructions come with the kit, and on that sheet is the scale readings with their corresponding BHN values.

SDiver40 · May 15, 2007, 12:05 PM

Hello and thanks for your info on the tester. It is great to get an idea as to how something works BEFORE you order it.
I hope I can return the favor sometime
Tom

**Unclenick** · May 15, 2007, 06:04 PM

In theory it should work well, but the one I have gives results about 5 BHN high in the magnum pistol bullet range. I have yet to call Lee about it, but will do so after I've had time to check it on some pure lead as a reference.

snuffy · May 16, 2007, 10:35 AM

Nick, what you're saying is it is reading higher than the bullets should be? After using mine for a couple of months, I have to say it sems to be accurate according to the alloys I have. I was a bit surprised that one of my alloy mixes was harder than expected. It's useable as is for rifle, but a bit too hard for low pressure 45 acp or 38's.

That is exactly why I got it, to know for certain what results I was getting when mixing lead. That particular alloy was nearly pure lead mixed with linotype metal at 15 lbs soft to 5 pounds lino. It comes out at 14 BHN right after casting, aged to 18.0 BHN a week later.

Next time I alloy, I'm going to cut the lino in half to come out with a softer mix for 45's.

**Unclenick** · May 17, 2007, 08:04 PM

I had some bullets from alloy I'd mixed myself from old linotype and wheel weights that should have come out around BHN 16, but read 21 on the Lee tool and about 15 on the LBT tool. I also had a box of Meister bullets, whose web site claim they use virgin alloy desinged to have about that same hardness range. These also measured about 20-21 on the Lee tool. I've got some pure lead bricks from a dismantled nuclear laboratory. I want to cast some up for slugging bullets anyway, and when I do, I will cross-check that I land on about BHN 5. I've got ball bearings and a load cell I can put in my press to replicate the orignal Brinell test. I'll try that for comparison when I get time.

I will try to remember to let you know the result. I am very busy with work these days, so it may be awhile. I also have some contacts over at Ohio State's Engineering Department, and may be able to arrange to have a student run a comparison on their lab equipment for me, or at least to give me calibration points on a couple of standard samples? Be good to get some cross-calibration going.

Nick

dromia · May 18, 2007, 08:27 AM

Check out the Cabine Tree one, its the gnats gonads as far as I'm concerned

http://www.castingstuff.com/cabinetr...g_products.htm

May 14, 2007, 05:42 PM	#1
SDiver40 Junior Member Join Date: November 5, 2005 Location: Concord NC Posts: 14	Hardness tester Hello Just wondering if anyone has used one of these testers and how well they work? http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...eitemid=731364 Thanks much

May 14, 2007, 06:47 PM	#3
snuffy Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2001 Location: Oshkosh wi. Posts: 3,055	Yes, they work quite well. It lets you know what hardness your bullet is. The microscope takes a lot of getting used to, It's best to have the indented side of the lead on a firm well lit surface, then manuvure the microscope over to take a reading. The method used is to take a file, make a flat surface on the bullet/lead, then put it into the "V" block that takes the place of the shell holder. It is then held against the ball on the end of the tester for 60 seconds while the shaft is even with the top end of the die. This exerts 60# on the lead being tested for a known time. Then the width of the dimple/dent is measured by looking through the microscope to compare the dimple with the built in scale in the scope. A sheet with instructions come with the kit, and on that sheet is the scale readings with their corresponding BHN values. __________________ The more people I meet, the more I love my dog They're going to get their butts kicked over there this election. How come people can't spell and use words correctly?

May 15, 2007, 06:04 PM	#5
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	In theory it should work well, but the one I have gives results about 5 BHN high in the magnum pistol bullet range. I have yet to call Lee about it, but will do so after I've had time to check it on some pure lead as a reference. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

May 16, 2007, 10:35 AM	#6
snuffy Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2001 Location: Oshkosh wi. Posts: 3,055	Nick, what you're saying is it is reading higher than the bullets should be? After using mine for a couple of months, I have to say it sems to be accurate according to the alloys I have. I was a bit surprised that one of my alloy mixes was harder than expected. It's useable as is for rifle, but a bit too hard for low pressure 45 acp or 38's. That is exactly why I got it, to know for certain what results I was getting when mixing lead. That particular alloy was nearly pure lead mixed with linotype metal at 15 lbs soft to 5 pounds lino. It comes out at 14 BHN right after casting, aged to 18.0 BHN a week later. Next time I alloy, I'm going to cut the lino in half to come out with a softer mix for 45's. __________________ The more people I meet, the more I love my dog They're going to get their butts kicked over there this election. How come people can't spell and use words correctly?

May 17, 2007, 08:04 PM	#7
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	I had some bullets from alloy I'd mixed myself from old linotype and wheel weights that should have come out around BHN 16, but read 21 on the Lee tool and about 15 on the LBT tool. I also had a box of Meister bullets, whose web site claim they use virgin alloy desinged to have about that same hardness range. These also measured about 20-21 on the Lee tool. I've got some pure lead bricks from a dismantled nuclear laboratory. I want to cast some up for slugging bullets anyway, and when I do, I will cross-check that I land on about BHN 5. I've got ball bearings and a load cell I can put in my press to replicate the orignal Brinell test. I'll try that for comparison when I get time. I will try to remember to let you know the result. I am very busy with work these days, so it may be awhile. I also have some contacts over at Ohio State's Engineering Department, and may be able to arrange to have a student run a comparison on their lab equipment for me, or at least to give me calibration points on a couple of standard samples? Be good to get some cross-calibration going. Nick __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

May 14, 2007, 05:49 PM	#2
benedict1 Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2006 Location: Southern California Posts: 245	I think it's 5 bucks cheaper here--and S&H will be less, I'm certain. http://www.kempfgunshop.com/products.../leadtest.html

May 15, 2007, 12:05 PM	#4
SDiver40 Junior Member Join Date: November 5, 2005 Location: Concord NC Posts: 14	Hello and thanks for your info on the tester. It is great to get an idea as to how something works BEFORE you order it. I hope I can return the favor sometime Tom

May 18, 2007, 08:27 AM	#8
dromia Junior Member Join Date: December 19, 2004 Posts: 13	Check out the Cabine Tree one, its the gnats gonads as far as I'm concerned http://www.castingstuff.com/cabinetr...g_products.htm