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Years ago (many years ago) when I corresponded with Elmer Keith, I asked for suggestions on the best alloy for slugs in a shotgun or Paradox. He replied that I should mix 7 pounds of plumbers lead with a pound of 50/50 bar solder. I always wondered where he got that recipe.

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The Mix Elmer quoted would make almost a 15:1 tin to lead mix - perfect for magnum pistol bullets or low velocity shotshell bullets. An alloy of 10:1 tin (4.5lbs. lead with 1 pound of 50/50solder) to lead will yield the hardest of tin/lead mixes, I read some where, and works with rifle bullets up to about 1,900fps to 2,000fps with a good lube.

Of course we know today, that all alloys have pressure ceilings - how that relates to the tin/lead mixes, I do not know as I do not have a brinel hardnes measuring device.

I do know that the old hardened standard WW cast bullets can "take" up to magnum speeds - certainly to 3,000fps+ in the .300's. "Jacketed performance with Cast Bullets" by Veral Smith is well worth the few $$ for the book.

The stick on WW need not apply for this job as they are nearly pure lead.

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Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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