Shotshells

[Patrick56]

How about melting shotgun shell shots? I have source of old shot shells that are going to be destroyed and we did think about salvaging the lead for use as boolits. Hardness is not an issue and I know that I have to watch out for vismuth, bismuth and zinc shots. How does old lead shots behave in the pot? Is there any problems with possible oxide on the surface of the shots?

[big bore 99]

I melted up a bunch of it here and it worked out fine. Just skim off the oxide on top.

[crashguy]

Without a doubt salvage the shot. The non-lead shot is reusable for shotshells . The lead shot will melt in the pot.

[Patrick56]

Ok, thank you for your comments. It´s easier to melt the shots than cut lead billets first with a circular ( Skil ) saw.

[Teddy (punchie)]

Hi Patrick

Not sure on price to date but lead shot was selling at around $ 40.00 USA for a 25 pound bag. That a $ 1.60 a pound. Not sure but something to think about. The steel and other alloys are even more costly.

Best way to get it out would be a rubber hammer and tap end to make crimp fail.

[jmort]

Lead shot, chilled or magnum, is an excellent alloy for casting.

[Patrick56]

Hi Patrick

Not sure on price to date but lead shot was selling at around $ 40.00 USA for a 25 pound bag. That a $ 1.60 a pound. Not sure but something to think about. The steel and other alloys are even more costly.
Best way to get it out would be a rubber hammer and tap end to make crimp fail.

The source is very cheap = free. Needs only a lot of work. Most of the shells are old paper hulls. A sharp knife is all you need.

[bigjake]

I've been told not to breathe the white corrosion dust that's on the pellets.