[shawn_c2000]

Hey everyone just got into casting was wondering where do y'all get y'all's lead from ?

[nitestalker]

Tire shops, junk yards, indoor shooting ranges. Any where lead maybe used. There is also places on the web like Roto Metal. Depends on what you are going to cast. WW metal with a small amount of tin will work with most handgun bullets. For higher pressure loads Linotype, Strotype or Monotype maybe needed.
The best investment to start with is a BHN Tester. When buying or begging for lead you must know what the BHN of the alloy is. Lee makes an inexpensive tester that works close enough. Most BHN Testers have a problem of BHNs below a #7 so accurate readings on "Dead" lead of a #5 can be a small problem.
Learning to slug bores for cast bullet and using the correct lubes for the pressures you intend to load for very important. Casting is a fun hobby but there is a long learning curve.

[shawn_c2000]

Yeah would it be worth it to perch use lead weights for fishing and cast them down or would it be a loss of profit?

[canebrake]

If you are reloading for plinkin', who cares where you source your lead.

For the hunting, competition shooting and PD hand rolled ammo, buy your lead from a reputable vendor. Trust me on this!

[nitestalker]

Casting is like handloading you can design your own alloys for your needs. Shooters who cast for shooting of any kind can mix alloys to meet the pressures they want to shoot at. The interest in casting developes from creating bullets from your own mixes.

[locutus]

For general plinking and informal target shooting in .32, .38/.357, .44,.45 I use straight wheel weights from the junk yard. Lubed with the NRA Alox/beeswax formula. ( 50/50)

[nitestalker]

Have you ever tried Lee Alox tumble lube? It works great for volume lots of pistol bullets that cast to size. I picked up 1,300 lbs of range lead should last awhile.

[locutus]

Originally Posted by nitestalker

Have you ever tried Lee Alox tumble lube? It works great for volume lots of pistol bullets that cast to size. I picked up 1,300 lbs of range lead should last awhile.

No. I use a Lyman lubrisizer on all of my bullets. I dobn't have any of the "tumble-lube" molds.

What do you use for tin?? I had a source of 5 lb ingots of 50-50 bar solder, but that dried up a couple of years ago. Tin is EXPENSIVE!!!

[nitestalker]

I use an RCBS L&S as well. However, tumble lube works on any bullet you don't need the Lee Tumble molds. I shoot 100s of .452 260 grs bullets. My mold throws a WW and tin .452. I run these thru a Dillion.

[budman46]

shawn,
the golden age of casting passed you by...time was, tire places would give you wheel weights and thank you for taking them, same with printing outfits for used linotype. those days are gone and folks pay big $$$ for casting materials; range lead is probably your best bet to keep costs down.

softer alloys work for low velocity ammo, maybe up to 1000 fps with proper lube, but hardener and gas checks are needed for stuff up to 1800 and beyond.

locutus,
ditch the lyman lubrisizer! lee's tumble-lube and push-thru system is faster, cheaper, and works with any bullet...did i mention cheaper? gave away my rcbs sizer-lubricator, top punches and sizer dies in favor of lee's system. check it out with a caliber you use...less than $20 for some liquid alox and sizer die set. you'll never look back!