BP RB Consideration

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Thu May 29, 2008 4:18 pm

Should RB always be pure lead? Wraped in a patch like they are, I've always wondered how my .54 Renegade would penatrate with hardcast or WW RBs........

Nath · Post by **Nath** » Thu May 29, 2008 4:23 pm

Obturation plays a big part I believe but have heard of hard cast balls being used but they may require some experimenting with patch thickness for best results. At hunting distance it may not make a differance accurate wise. I'm only going of what I have read.
Nath.

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Thu May 29, 2008 4:34 pm

They work... BUT:

They are harder than bejebers to pound in, and they tear the stuff out of your patch (gas seal).

But they work.

Somthing to consider: Pure Lead has greater shrink than Alloy, so a WW RB will actually be larger than a pb RB from the same mould - exacerbating the above problems.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Thu May 29, 2008 4:39 pm

I should have known that if it ain't being done, there is a good reason....thanks!!

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Thu May 29, 2008 4:43 pm

BlaineG wrote: I should have known that if it ain't being done, there is a good reason....thanks!!

Oh, it's being done. The folks that are doing it are largely using them in Smooth-Bore Trade Guns though.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Thu May 29, 2008 7:37 pm

Old Ironsights wrote:
BlaineG wrote: I should have known that if it ain't being done, there is a good reason....thanks!!
Oh, it's being done. The folks that are doing it are largely using them in Smooth-Bore Trade Guns though.

Oh, Brother....I saw one of those in an ancient Herter's catalog......19.95.....percussion cap and a 4 bore......Holy stuff, Batman

41_Marlin · Post by **41_Marlin** » Thu May 29, 2008 9:19 pm

I melt laser-cast bullets into roundballs.

With a tight patch they shoot the same as pure lead.

Recovered patches look beautiful.

horsesoldier03 · Post by **horsesoldier03** » Thu May 29, 2008 9:34 pm

PRB should definately be as pure lead as you can find. Considering that you can get 100 rb for about $10, I find it hard to think you can beat that price by casting your own. 1lb of lead for pure lead runs about $4 by the time you pay shipping. 1lb of lead will produce approx 30-35 .50 round balls. Do the math, your better off paying the store price unless you deal in large volumes of lead purchase.

You might want to check out www.muzzleloadingforum.com. It is currently under maint. at this time.