What hardness tester to buy

[pwl44m]

I'm in the market for a Lead Hardness Tester. Which one do U use/recommend ? I have looked at several-actually there aren't that many to choose from. They all seem pretty simple. There are Pros & Cons of using one in the first place. So what say You Levergunners ?
Perry

[Ray Newman]

I have an older LBT Hardness Tester and find it reliable and easy to use. See:

http://www.lbtmoulds.com/hardtester.shtml

Even though I buy from a dealer with certified lead, I always check my lead for hardness. Just something that I started doing many years ago and have not stopped.

If you are a lead scrounger and have a developed an alloy of a certain and known brinel hardness number (BhN) -- AKA hardness -- that does not lead the bore, you can easily repeat the alloy content by mixing and then measuring the hardness. I know a more than a few cast bullet shooters and often times their leading problems originated from not knowing the hardness of the alloy.

It is one of those reloading tools, much like the dial caliper or a vernier caliper, that make reloading and casting more efficient and accurate on the target.

[Rusty]

I have an older LBT Hardness Tester and find it reliable and easy to use. See:

http://www.lbtmoulds.com/hardtester.shtml

Even though I buy from a dealer with certified lead, I always check my lead for hardness. Just something that I started doing many years ago and have not stopped.

If you are a lead scrounger and have a developed an alloy of a certain and known brinel hardness number (BhN) -- AKA hardness -- that does not lead the bore, you can easily repeat the alloy content by mixing and then measuring the hardness. I know a more than a few cast bullet shooters and often times their leading problems originated from not knowing the hardness of the alloy.

It is one of those reloading tools, much like the dial caliper or a vernier caliper, that make reloading and casting more efficient and accurate on the target.

+1 on LBT.

Plus you're supporting the little guy that does great work.

[Griff]

I have an older LBT Hardness Tester and find it reliable and easy to use. See:
http://www.lbtmoulds.com/hardtester.shtml
Even though I buy from a dealer with certified lead, I always check my lead for hardness. Just something that I started doing many years ago and have not stopped.
If you are a lead scrounger and have a developed an alloy of a certain and known brinel hardness number (BhN) -- AKA hardness -- that does not lead the bore, you can easily repeat the alloy content by mixing and then measuring the hardness. I know a more than a few cast bullet shooters and often times their leading problems originated from not knowing the hardness of the alloy.
It is one of those reloading tools, much like the dial caliper or a vernier caliper, that make reloading and casting more efficient and accurate on the target.

+1 on LBT.
Plus you're supporting the little guy that does great work.

+2

[Shasta]

I have an older all-steel Saeco (the new ones are aluminum) which I like, but it will only test an actual bullet, not an ingot or other lead sample. Still, it gets me by just fine. If I were looking to buy a lead hardness tester now, I would go for the LBT.

SHASTA

[Chuck 100 yd]

I also have a Saeco. Mine has an aluminum body. It works just fine and is small and easy to store as it comes in a box about the size of a stick of bullet lube and has instructions included.

[pwl44m]

Thx for the input Guys. There is an LBT on e-bay that I came across last nite. Pics are lousy so couldn't tell much about it and it has 6 days left. I'll watch it though and see where it goes. It is currently at $43 and I would venture to say it will go close to new or more. I will watch it for a day or 2 and if it gets ridiculous I will order one from LBT. It looks like the most simple to operate and I like the option to test ingots.
Perry

[J35]

Another vote for the LBT, mine is going on it's 24th year.

A lead thermometer is pretty handy as well.

Anything you can do to stop the guess work when casting is a big plus.

---J

[pwl44m]

The tester on e-bay is currently at $65 with 5 days left. I printed out the order form for LBT and will send it out tomorrow. I ordered a Thermometer from Amazon plus the new "Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook". My bullets are getting cheaper & cheaper all the time with everything I buy.
Perry