TheHunter Posted December 4, 2009 Report Share Posted December 4, 2009 I was going to have a go at casting my own bullets and wondered where people get lead from (leagally) What shops would sell lead ingots? I tried the web but not much luck. Cheers TH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_R Posted December 4, 2009 Report Share Posted December 4, 2009 Oops, I replied in your other thread! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flytie Posted December 4, 2009 Report Share Posted December 4, 2009 I was going to have a go at casting my own bullets and wondered where people get lead from (leagally) What shops would sell lead ingots? I tried the web but not much luck. Cheers TH TH, Apart from the church roof, you could try builders merchants for rolls of lead flashing. I have a friend that used to use lead wheel balancing weights, but I think they have gone non-toxic now. He now buys anything lead from his local scrap merchant (he lives in Edgebaston) and either casts bullets or shot from it, in almost industrial quantities! I believe he uses antimony (spelling?) to harden the lead. I have never seen lead ingots on my travels, but i will now keep my eyes open for you. ft Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted December 4, 2009 Report Share Posted December 4, 2009 I've a load anyone can have locally if they want it, all off cuts from the flashing we've put on the house but theres a fair few kilos about Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy H Posted December 4, 2009 Report Share Posted December 4, 2009 Builders merchant is probably the best for rolls of lead flashing , Try and get trade rates and ask if they have any offcuts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digit Posted December 4, 2009 Report Share Posted December 4, 2009 Try some roofers in your area, they get plenty of old lead from the jobs they do, alot cheaper than new stuff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rem223 Posted December 4, 2009 Report Share Posted December 4, 2009 In the past I sourced my lead from a tyre fitter. They used to throw away old wheel weights. They probably don't now the price of lead has risen but it's worth asking. The lead used in wheel weights has some tin and antimony added to make the lead harder. Lead from flashing etc. may be too soft to use for casting bullets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vince Green Posted December 7, 2009 Report Share Posted December 7, 2009 (edited) Lead on its own is nowhere near hard enough unless you want to cast lead balls for muzzle loaders. The big problem with casting bullets is getting a source of good hard alloy like linotype to blend in to make suitable mixes. Its just not available like it used to be. Lead wheelweights are disappearing as they are now zinc but there will still be some old ones at your local garage if you ask. Edited December 7, 2009 by Vince Green Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC Posted December 7, 2009 Report Share Posted December 7, 2009 Find out where you nearest indoor small bore rifle club is and offer to clean out their bullet catcher. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DIVERD Posted December 7, 2009 Report Share Posted December 7, 2009 scuba dive shops will normally have both lead weights in 2,4,6,8,10 & 12 lbs as well as lead shot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Dog Posted December 7, 2009 Report Share Posted December 7, 2009 Try your local joiners shop or supplier. They may use lead sash weights for sliding sash windows. Usually come in 1.5" or 1.75" square bars, 600mm long. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tobyb525 Posted December 7, 2009 Report Share Posted December 7, 2009 Find out where you nearest indoor small bore rifle club is and offer to clean out their bullet catcher. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheHunter Posted December 8, 2009 Author Report Share Posted December 8, 2009 WOW, thanks guys what a response. Been away for a couple of days and only just got back on. The diving shop and builders flashing (guforr guforr) sound like the way to go. Now what about a good smelter from a UK dealer. LOL Cheers TH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paladin Posted December 8, 2009 Report Share Posted December 8, 2009 We used to melt scrap lead in an old cast iron saucepan, with a propane blow torch, and then pour into the frogs on house bricks. Bingo handy size ingots. (even with the London Brick Co. on them ) Paladin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy H Posted December 9, 2009 Report Share Posted December 9, 2009 Try the lee lead pot that is what most people use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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