I have linotype and soft lead. I would like to cast some bullets for my 357/38 special and 44 mag. I have cast some up with just linotype but now would like to cast some softer, for shooting target loads. Was thinking maybe a one to one mix. Would that work or is there something that would work better.

That will shoot just fine ,hardness around a BHN 12,and will be good for hunting also.

Sean

i have a huge bar of linotype i got from my local print shop....anyone know of an easy way to split it up into workable size chunks??

I recently got 50 lbs of linotype that I bought from a fellow and it was in little pieces of type and flat spacers. I cast a few bullets with it to use in my Saeco hardness tester and found to hardness to be 27-28 bhn or monotype.

I've been mixing it with ww's or range scrap and some sheet lead I had but am having to cut up more of the sheet or pure lead to mix with it to get the hardness down below 18-20. I've been using a hard melt of around 17 1/2 for gas-checked rifle or fast revolver but that's still too hard for a good hunting bullet.

Good lino has tin and amtimony in it and is kind of a waste to shoot as is for target bullets. I'm hoping mine will go a long way for mixing in range scrap or ww lead.

tasco, The only thing I think of right off for your lead bar is a hacksaw or I would try it on my log spliter and mash it into. I've been using some bolt cutters to cut through the lead sheet stuff.

Bill

tasco 74 if you are refering to a 20-25 lb. ingot of lino, I have broken them by bashing them over a piece of railroad rail, but you can't get very small chunks this way.

wes

thanks for the ideas guys......... a coupla yrs ago i took about 4 days and cast bullets for hrs at a time.......i've got about 8 velveeta cheese boxes full of 150 gr. swcs made from range lead so i may not need this linotype for awhile...maybe by then my friend will fire up the big lead melter he's got so i can get this stuff mixed into more bullet worth lead........

quote:

Originally posted by 257 Rock:
I have linotype and soft lead. I would like to cast some bullets for my 357/38 special and 44 mag. I have cast some up with just linotype but now would like to cast some softer, for shooting target loads. Was thinking maybe a one to one mix. Would that work or is there something that would work better.

I use an old hatchet and a short handled three pound sledge hammer. Put the hatchet where you want the cut and ound away. generally, when you're about half way to two thirds of the way through, the piece will break off.
Please be sure to wear saftey glasses as sometime chips of steel will fly off the hatchet head. Anyway, that's the fastest way I've found to cut up those ingots.
Paul B.

as HP told me linotype is hard and light compared to other leads......i have a trap full of pelletsand some wheel weights to mix in with linotype i'm thinkin that should soften up the mix.........

To cut lino bars, I go at one with a reciprocating saw, cut about 3/4" into the narrow edge, then lay it over another with the end to be broken hanging over the edge and whack it with a 4 lb sledge. It takes about 2 minutes to cut one into 3 pieces. Stan

Try a splitting wedge they are made to beat on with a sledge hammer and wont chip like a hatchet. Be sure to wear safety glasses to protect your eyes. I got a piece of lead in my eye while shooting my Kimber 45 one day and dam does it burn. I had to go to the doctor to get it removed it did not stick into my eye but was stuck on it. He got it off with a Q-Tip and a little pressure. I was wearing my glasses at the time.