Lead (Pb) is a heavy, malleable metal that helps carry a bullet’s momentum until it reaches the target. Lead can be heat treated to lessen brittleness and conducts heat very slowly, making it an ideal alloy for bullet making.Â
The Brinell Hardness numbers for pure lead is 5.0 HB. Alloyed lead can typically range from 5.0 HB to 22.0 HB or more. Our available bullet lead alloys can be supplied to meet specific Brinell hardness requirements. Using this scale is ideal for bare or full metal jacket (FMJ) style projectiles.
Mayer Alloys offers ammunition manufacturers pure lead ingots, lead wire, and Sn/Sb/Pb ingots for bullet and musket ball production. Our most popular bullet alloy, a high purity projectile alloy is comprised of 2Sn/6Sb/92Pb. This is the modern day equivalent of Lyman #2 bullet alloy, with a Brinell Hardness of 15. The approximate size and weight of the extruded ingots are as follows. They should fit in the palm of your hand and are easy to use.
- Ingot Size – 1 1/2″ x 4″ x 4″
- Ingot Weight – Approximately 8lbs
Other standard variations are available in addition to custom alloys and lead-free alloys.