cost of lead

James M · Post by **James M** » Sun Jul 18, 2004 4:37 am

How much do gun store get for pre-mixed 20:1 lead?

FFG · Post by **FFG** » Sun Jul 18, 2004 5:16 am

Here is a link to Buffalo Arms .
http://www.buffaloarms.com/browse.cfm/2,117.html

James M · Post by **James M** » Sun Jul 18, 2004 6:59 am

ok , so that comes to $165 per hundred pounds delivered.
How many 400gr bullets is 100lbs?

don marable · Post by **don marable** » Sun Jul 18, 2004 7:17 am

James:

One pound = 7,000 grains. Therefore, 100 pounds = 700,000 grains. 700,000/400 = 1,750 bullets at 400 grains each.

Don

crazeyiven · Post by **crazeyiven** » Sun Jul 18, 2004 2:43 pm

Another lead source is Midway USA.

http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/416626

crazeyiven · Post by **crazeyiven** » Sun Jul 18, 2004 2:58 pm

Cost of 20:1-

Just took a look at the above Buffalo Arms link and price. They are currently way cheaper.

MidwayUSA is way higher. Last time I ordered from Midway (middle of may) it was $30.68 per 30.60 pounds. That's just at a dollar a pound:

416626/MidwayUSA Certified 20 to 1 Bullet Casting Alloy Box of 4 Ingots (20 Parts Lead to 1 Part Tin) Approximately 30.60 Pounds Average Total Weight ea/$30.68 total/$64.64-

Might want to do some shopping around!

LJBass · Post by **LJBass** » Sun Jul 18, 2004 3:06 pm

James,
Up here in Seattle we have a company called Non-Ferrous Metals. They supply all types of specialty metals including lead and tin. One of their biggest specialties is sacrificial zincs for the marine trade. You're not far from the ocean in Pasadena and I'm sure there are similar suppliers close to you. I think if you make a few calls you will be able to find an outfit close enough to drive to.
Regards, LJ

Jim Watson · Post by **Jim Watson** » Sun Jul 18, 2004 3:35 pm

Some of us here in Alabama bought 20:1 from Mayco for pickup at their Birmingham warehouse. It came out to $0.87 a pound.
Hope you can find a regional supplier to fetch from and save freight on lead.

Kodiak · Post by **Kodiak** » Sun Jul 18, 2004 4:10 pm

I visited the MidwayUSA site today, and they show their 20:1 ( 4 ingots) , 30.6#, in a carton for $47.50. WOW, that's $1.55 per pound. Musta went up some, you think? Their 30:1 is about the same price

. I'm glad I got 100# the last time I ordered from them!

Ray Newman · Post by **Ray Newman** » Sun Jul 18, 2004 4:53 pm

@ one time, Art Greene ran a foundry/metal business, called “Metals for Casting“. His office was in the Beverly Hills (CA) area. Can’t find the address in my older address book. Don’t even know if he is in business anymore due to CA clean air regs. The last time I picked up some lead @ his office, he was telling me of his diifculties….

FWIW & from what I’ve learned over the years:

1.) If it looks like the cost of the metal is cheap, it may not include shipping or you must by a min. am’t. of lead or both.

2.) Lead & tin, esp. tin, has gotten every expensive.

3.) Shipping on lead is very expensive because of the weight & robust shipping container.

4.) A pre-mixed alloy will cost you more than if you mix the alloy yourself.

5.) A lead hardness tester is a very useful item. It will allow you to test the BnH (Brinell Hardness #) of an unknown alloy or duplicate a good shooting alloy..

6.) Not all scarp yard lead is “lead.” You never know what's in it....

In the long run, I think it’s better to purchase your lead from a known source who knows the purity of the lead & tin.

Ray Newman · Post by **Ray Newman** » Sun Jul 18, 2004 4:58 pm

I forgot to add that:

The alloy is something that a Shooter needs to experiment w/. Some rifles will only exhibit “gilt edge accuracy” (to borrow from Ned Roberts) w/ a specific alloy.

Same w/ bullet design. Some rifles prefer a certain design over others.

James M · Post by **James M** » Sun Jul 18, 2004 5:05 pm

Great answers. Thanks everyone

James M

e15cap · Post by **e15cap** » Mon Jul 19, 2004 7:32 am

Art Greene was still there two weeks ago! 78 years old and still humpin lead around.

Ray Newman · Post by **Ray Newman** » Mon Jul 19, 2004 11:27 am

e15cap: good news. I didn't think he's that old. Have you ever met him in person He's quite a character--talk your ear off!

Can you post his address & tel #? Since moving I can't find it.

Roberston Blvd keep ringing a bell as part of thre address or am I thinkling of soem other company....

Ken Hartlein · Post by **Ken Hartlein** » Mon Jul 19, 2004 7:53 pm

You can buy lead from Exide battery company also, about .50 a pound. You have to pick it up, but if you can find them near it'll save you some $$$$. You'll probably have to look on the "net" to find them or just ask around. The lead we got was from Lousianna I think. Supposed to be 99.9% pure.

Shiloh Rifle Forums

cost of lead

cost of lead

1750