Wiley Posted March 18, 2014 Author Share Posted March 18, 2014 (edited) I might just look into it. I'm assuming that you used about 200 individual balls. Is that correct? I know I can get .50 caliber balls at the local sporting goods store for about $10 per 100, and I'd assume that .45 caliber will be a bit cheaper. Edited March 18, 2014 by Wiley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nater Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 200 sounds close, it is about 5lbs of lead. I never counted the individual balls. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wiley Posted March 18, 2014 Author Share Posted March 18, 2014 That's good to know. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arthur Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 Most UK suppliers will offer ball milled ingredients, so if you ask for lump charcoal, 20mesh or airfloat that's what you get. OK they charge for it but the right charcoal and the right size is essential when making powders. Ask the suppliers in your country for airfloat -see if they have any. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mumbles Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 About 200 .50cal lead balls sounds right. If you cut up brass rod, it'll work too, but you'll probably need slightly less than 200 because they're cylinders, not balls. I'm sure there is some math that could be done to actually figure it out, but 200 will be plenty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wiley Posted March 18, 2014 Author Share Posted March 18, 2014 Mumbles, I know you have had a 3# HF tumbler for quite some time. For media, do you use lead balls from a gun shop, or those fancy antimony hardened ones available online? Perhaps even something else? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mumbles Posted March 18, 2014 Share Posted March 18, 2014 Nope, from the gun shop. They probably shrink a little, but I never noticed much overall loss. Most of that will probably happen at the beginning, but after a while they sort taper off it seems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wiley Posted March 18, 2014 Author Share Posted March 18, 2014 Interesting. I may just pick up a couple boxes today, or maybe a .50 cal mold if my gun shop has it. I still have a nearly-full 40# sack of #9 lead shot from my model rocket days that's just sitting around gathering dust, so I could make quite a few balls from that . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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