Curious observation

S Mac

Sept. 10, 2021 Steve left us. You are missed.
I have only recently delved into hardening cast with heat treating, my first batch were some I had cast 4 months ago. Heated in a little oven 1 hour at 425, and quenched in water. My only method to test the relative hardness is to put 2 base to base in a vice and measure the difference in length after putting the squeeze to them. I checked them every day and as expected the HT'ed one got progressively harder each day I didn't test after 7 days, the HT'ed version was substantively harder at this point.

A couple of days ago I cast some other bullet and water dropped them. Using the same method to test I was surprised to find the WD'ed appeared harder than the AC'ed after only 1 day, whereas the heat treated batch I mentioned before were softer than the AC'ed for the first couple of days. I think the alloy was the same, although I could be wrong about that. I know it's WW, but could be a different batch of WW's
 

S Mac

Sept. 10, 2021 Steve left us. You are missed.
I don't doubt that, I just thought the way the WD'ed being harder the next day was contrary to expectations. maybe it is a bit different alloy.
 

Brad

Benevolent Overlord and site owner
Staff member
Arsenic can speed the process some.
I find that after a few days my heat treated bullets have about maxed out for hardness.
 

Rick

Moderator
Staff member
The percentage of Sb will determine the hardening time curve, the higher the Sb the quicker final BHN will be reached. A grain refiner such as As or Sulphur etc will boost the final BHN time curve.
 

Dusty Bannister

Well-Known Member
Do not discount the temperature factor in quenching your bullets. Oven heat treat and quick quench at 425 degrees will result in a softer result than HT/Q at 450 degrees. A delay in removing from the oven and placing in the quench will lower the temp of the casting when quenched as well. Just a few variables to keep in mind.