Does anyone know anything about these types of ingots? They're definitely not pure lead, couldn't scratch them with my fingernail. Cut a sliver off easily with a pen-knife which melted on the tip of my cheapo soldering iron. They weigh 60# each. I've no experience with smelting or casting but these ingots were given to me for free and are providing the incentive to get started.

Bill

I got a bunch of these a while back. They were used as bumpers on a tug boat. Mine are pure lead so I'm using them for the muzzle loader. I drill a hole in one end and hang them over the pot I use on a Colman gas stove. Drop them in as the melt. Just use a dippper and fill the ingot molds as they melt.

I got a bunch of these a while back. They were used as bumpers on a tug boat. Mine are pure lead so I'm using them for the muzzle loader. I drill a hole in one end and hang them over the pot I use on a Colman gas stove. Drop them in as the melt. Just use a dippper and fill the ingot molds as they melt.

Certainly looks like a counterbalance or some type...if a bilge weight, then it should look nastier than that, and usually be more shape specific (that flat rectangle isn't going to fit in many bolt bilges that would need that size). Could be marine...could be constrction equipment/fork lift counter balance.

But it will proably make good bullets.

Been enough years that I can mention this. Friend worked for the city and owned me a favor. He offered to drop off some lead. Got home to find a 250pound "pig" on my side door step.

It isn't all that easy to cut up a chunk of lead this size. If pure enough, as was that pig, I chopped it into managable (50pound) chunks with a fire ax.

I've been tripping over these things for a few years now. All of a sudden ...."Hey, I can maybe use these for bullet casting"...... popped into my head. It's a start.


Bill

The color of those would appear to be pure, or nearly so lead. Certainly no tin. Maybe your nails are soft?