List,

Would like to cast up some bullets to shoot with blackpowder loads in the .43 Mauser. Most of the BPCR references recommend a 20:1 lead/tin alloy, but I have no pure lead. I have wheelweights, linotype metal and tin. Would the wheelweights be suitable for BPCR? How much tin should I add? I plan to pan lube these with Emmert's lube.

Thanks,
Jeff

Are some high level shooters that do use WW bullets. I use them (although I'm not a high level shooter) for most of my practice shooting, and some of my hunting (but I do perfer the soft ones for hunting). Part of the problem is that I haven't been able to just substitute bullets (WW vs. soft alloy) and get the same results...have to work a specifi load up for the hard ones, and a slightly differnt load up for the soft ones. For me, the hard bullets don't like firm contact with the rifling when chambered...a little "running start" has helped them shoot better. A bit LESS powder (still compressed..the deeper seating helps here). Do use a "lube cookie", but in that bottle necked case that may be a problem (depends on where the bullet base ends up).

Some rifles just won't shoot them...if the bullet has to be smaller than bore diameter to chamber (some old rifles have tight chambers and loose bores), the harder bullet just won't "bump up" as well as the softer ones.

May as well mention this, does seem to give more fouling problems than softer alloys. It's not the hardness, WW's are no harder than 1:15 or 1:12 tin/lead mix that some have used, but they still tend to leave a bit of streak leading that the lead/tin mixed don't. For hunting where you won't fire 20 or 40 rounds, it's not a problem...for practice where you have plenty of time to clean and fire fouling shots between cleanings, its not a problem.