A couple of days ago -- on Another Forum Far, Far Away -- the usual "which hardness tester" debate started. Suggestions ranged from $6,000 Lab equipment down to simple ball / pressure impression diameter set-ups like LEE. The ubiquitous complaint of "I can't get the LEE microscope to work..." emerged as usual.
I suggested/showed a simple printer/scanner/PhotoShop solution for a 30-1 (RotoMetals) bullet that I'd just tested using the LEE steel ball indenter:
That set off an absolute FIRESTORM in which I obviously could/wouldn't read the accepted science published/listed/specified everywhere that 30-1 is by definition BHN 9.
(Didn't I know the experts all said so?)
Well . . . No.
I have long used my own first principles calculation/test for Brinell, run against various alloys over the last 15 years.
It's fairly straightforward in both principle/test -- and calculation:
Very simple concept: Pressure (lb/sqin) which the material can withstand (i.e., quit) deforming
You press a small ball (LEE: 5/32") into the alloy at constant force (LEE: 60lbs) until the increase in depression surface area reduces the pressure (lbs per square inch -- remember?) to the point that deformation quits.
Final force on the spherical depression surface area of the material.
That's the Brinell #
But . . . still the naysayers.
To the Cognoscenti here on CastBoolits then:
The Truth us out there.
What is it?