atijigs Posted April 22, 2013 Report Share Posted April 22, 2013 I personally prefer softer lead for my castings. However, I started casting bullets due to the problems associated with trying to buy them. The hardness of the alloy is not critical for lures but is for bullets. What I found out by spending a day at my computer is you can get a very good idea of the hardness of your alloy with artist pencils. They cost about 13$ at Walmart. The bullet guys are sloppy in their pouring techniques but they know their alloys. I had a head ache from trying to soak it all in. Pretty much the same way I felt when I first came to this site. I'm heading to Wally World tomorrow. If there is any interest I can follow up on this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Maxwell Posted April 22, 2013 Report Share Posted April 22, 2013 I am certainly interested. I use "pure" soft lead for only a few things. I prefer alloy, i.e. wheel weights for most all my jigs and spinnerbait heads. I can't find wheel weights anymore. All the tire places around here have went with the steel weights or they "have to " send them back for recycling. Let me know what you find out. Irf you have any ideas how or what to add to lead to make is harder please let me know too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smallmouthaholic Posted April 23, 2013 Report Share Posted April 23, 2013 http://www.lasc.us/CastBulletAlloy.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Maxwell Posted April 30, 2013 Report Share Posted April 30, 2013 How do you use the artists brushes to test hardness??? I read the article about bullet pouring etc. More information than I can comprehend. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
