Measuring lead hardness - Bullet casting and reloading 

Barn Dweller, same here chart is a pain I too would like to get a LBT but can't find them did you get one an if you did where. Thank You.

Everything I've seen says that they're supposed to be pure lead the stick-on ones.

Agree!!!

The harder the better, unless you want to rely on it for self defense, the harder the lead the less you're going to get lead deposits in your gun.

Look into powder coating your bullets in lieu of traditional lube, it allows you to push almost alloy to almost any speed (even higher end rifle jacketed velocities). It also cuts down majorly on smoke including eliminating lead smoke and it even eliminates leading in your bore. Top it off with being able to color code your loads and its great stuff. Check out the coatings subforum on castboolits (google it) for more info on the various ways to apply the coating.

There is a very basic rule on this question. 1200 FpS is the barrier. If you are pushing your bullet past 1200 FpS, you should have a gas check. Make you lead as soft as you need. Softer lead will flatten out, and transfer the energy to the target faster. In response to your question for 44 Mag: I use two different bullets, but the same powder load (19.0 gr, of 2400); for two different guns. One is for the pistol (S&W 29-2 w/ 8 3/8" bbrl), and the other for the rifle (Marlin 1894S w/ 20" bbrl). I use a #429421 True Kieth in the pistol, and a 265 gr. Ranch Dog in the rifle. The #429421 comes out a little soft, and thus weighs about 256 gr. The I use the same lead, and the Ranch Dog comes out a little heavy as well; about 270 gr. The #429421 is going 1240 FpS, and does not lead due to the harder lube I use, and the bullets being sized to 0.4305". The Ranch Dog bullet is a custom design for Marlin Rifles, and Rugers as well. They are oversized to fit the larger bores found on these guns. They are sized to 0.432". They are also a gas-check bullet, and I have them going 1600 FpS out of the rifle. I do NOT use these bullets in the S&W pistol, unless they are sized down to 0.430". The main point is don't worry about how hard the lead needs to be to not lead up the barrel. Worry more about the size of the bullet, and the speed of the bullet. A properly sized, fully fitting bullet going under sonic speed will never lead. If the bullet is going faster than sonic speed, use a gas check.

The one turn is the problem, any amount more or less will make a big difference. Just touching is another problem, why not bring the indicator up .005 and start from there? then subtract the 5 thou from the reading.

Carbine Tree LLC

No, as the directions clearly stated.

Actually it is meaningful. So one can know what to expect when water quenching their lead.

Im going to put this is simple terms because just by reading ur comment but the reason is yes you can use zinc to harden but im guessing you have never cast bullets for reloading but when you use the lead with antimony when casting it pours smoothly and easily but when u use lead contaminated with zinc it pours thick and mushy and fills for bad mold fillouts and like u said its hardee but incase you arent aware its also lighter which in casting isnt what u want lead and antimony may not be as hard or whatever but it pours smooth with good mold fillout better for casting well now u know :)

I meant going to put in simple terms because by reading your comment i can tell you dont cast

People are weird on the man, no point arguing with them. Thanks for taking the time to at least show us what your up to.