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Linotype (84% Lead, 4% Tin, 12% Antimony) Bullet Casting Alloy - Linotype Bullet Casting Alloy 5lb Ingot
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$48.97
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SKU: 080001506
Overview
This casting alloy is intended for shooters who want a very hard material for higher-velocity rifle bullets and target use. It is sold as roughly 5-pound ingots and is made from 84% lead, 4% tin, and 12% antimony, with a Brinell hardness of about 22. Brownells notes that it is generally too hard for silhouette shooting or hunting, since it can shatter on impact with metal plates or heavy bone. For handloaders looking to adjust hardness, it can also be blended 1:1 with pure lead to create a Hardball-like alloy.
Why Hunters Choose the Brownells
84% Lead,
4% tin, and 12% antimony
Roughly 5-pound
Ingot format is practical for
Brinell Hardness
Of roughly 22 supports a
Made From
Virgin metals, not scrap, for
Can Be
Pure lead to produce a
Key Features
- Brownells Linotype Bullet Casting Alloy sold as a roughly 5-pound ingot.
- Formulated with 84% lead, 4% tin, and 12% antimony.
- Very hard alloy with a Brinell hardness of roughly 22.
- Designed for higher-velocity rifle bullets used in target shooting.
- Made from virgin metals rather than scrap for a cleaner alloy.
- Can be blended 1:1 with pure lead to produce a Hardball-like alloy.
Best Used For
- Target shooters casting higher-velocity rifle bullets who want a very hard alloy.
- Reloaders blending with pure lead to create a harder, Hardball-like alloy.
- Users who need clean virgin-metal ingots for bullet casting projects.
- Hunters seeking hunting alloy should look elsewhere; this alloy is described as too hard.
- Silhouette shooters using metal plates may prefer a different alloy due to impact behavior.
Specifications
| Brinell Hardness | roughly 22 |
|---|---|
| Material Composition | 84% Lead, 4% Tin, 12% Antimony |
| Sold By | the ingot |
| Virgin Metals | Yes |
| Weight | roughly 5 pounds |
| Weights Are Approximate | Yes |
Pros
- 84% lead, 4% tin, and 12% antimony alloy composition is clearly specified.
- Roughly 5-pound ingot format is practical for bullet casting use.
- Brinell hardness of roughly 22 supports a very hard casting alloy.
- Made from virgin metals, not scrap, for clean alloy input.
- Can be blended 1:1 with pure lead to produce a Hardball-like alloy.
Considerations & Trade-offs
- Very hard alloy, so it is not well suited to silhouette shooting or hunting where impact on metal plates or heavy bone is a concern.
- Sold by the ingot with approximate weight, so each piece may vary slightly from the stated 5 lb. target.
- If a softer casting alloy is needed, this product is intended to be blended with pure lead rather than used as-is.
- Brinell hardness is listed as roughly 22, which may be more specialized than needed for general-purpose bullet casting.
Suggested Comparisons
- Bullet casting alloy for target shooting
- Hard bullet alloy blends
- Lead alloy ingots
- Reloading and casting supplies
Suggested Accessories
- Bullet casting mold
- Lead melting pot
- Bullet lubricant
- Casting thermometer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this alloy made of?
The listed composition is 84% lead, 4% tin, and 12% antimony.
How is this product sold, and what does it weigh?
It is sold by the ingot, and each ingot weighs roughly 5 pounds. The listed weight is approximate.
What is this alloy intended for?
The source describes it as a very hard alloy that is ideal for higher velocity rifle bullets used for target shooting.
Is this a good choice for hunting bullets?
The source says it is a bit too hard for silhouette shooting or hunting, noting that the alloy tends to shatter on impact with metal plates of heavy bone.
Can this alloy be blended with pure lead?
Yes. The source states that a 1:1 blend with pure lead will produce a Hardball-like alloy.