I have a 75 lb ingot of zinc.
I know not to mix them in the same pots and such with lead but is it worth trying for cast bullets or has this been tried already too many times?
Mike
Zinc requires a longer bullet to get enough weight. Then still comes up lite. So a complete rethink on bullet seating, powders, velocities ect. Pure zinc melts to a castable consistancy at over 725.( I am sure someone will correct me on the temp, but close enough for my point.)
degrees.
Zinc combines easily with carbon steel. This is why galvanizing works so well.
But also why.... Should not use an electric pot for pure zinc, as it will eventually eat the steel.
If you do it, a heavy cast iron pot and a ladle is better.
It will eat up an aluminum mould or carbon steel moulds so best to use an iron mould like "Ideal".
Zinc also shrinks a bit In the casting process. But this can be made up with a little beagleing, and powder coat. Powder coat is also recommended to prevent the zinc from possibly chemically reacting to the barrel, eventually ruining it, depending on the barrels alloy.
With Zinc you will get very little expansion of the base, and will not mould to the groves as well as lead. So a thick jacket of polyester powder coat, Or paper patching, is your friend here.
I followed "Elvis Ammo" on his endeavor with this, before his videos on it were pulled.
I also had some success with
Sabot type loads in a 410 shot gun using Zinc. But did not get too far.
@fiver has had some success using it as an additive in small amounts for one of his alloys.
I eventually resided to making fishing weights.
Also an anchor for my brothers boat with it., Using sand casting.
