Brownells 16 To 1 Bullet Casting Alloy 5Lb Ingot
If you cast your own bullets for cowboy action shooting or blackpowder cartridges, you need the right alloy—one that's clean, consistent, and engineered for the job. The Brownells 16 to 1 Bullet Casting Alloy comes in a 5-pound ingot formulated specifically for these applications. This lead-tin blend gives you a proven hardness profile that works well for traditional shooting sports without the guesswork of scrap-metal casting.
The alloy composition is straightforward: 94% lead and 6% tin, yielding a Brinell hardness of approximately 11. That hardness level sits in the sweet spot for cowboy action and blackpowder loads—soft enough to load safely in older firearms and lever guns, yet durable enough to hold its shape and minimize leading in the barrel. Because it's made from virgin metals rather than recycled scrap, you're adding clean material to your pot, which means fewer contaminants and more reliable casting runs.
Each ingot weighs approximately 5 pounds, giving you a manageable amount to work with whether you're casting dozens of rounds or stocking your reloading bench for the season. The ingot format melts cleanly into your casting pot, and the consistent composition means your bullets cast true batch after batch. This is the alloy choice for reloaders who value quality over convenience.
Key Features
- 16 to 1 lead-tin ratio (94% lead, 6% tin) optimized for cowboy action and blackpowder shooting
- Brinell hardness of approximately 11—ideal hardness for traditional cartridge applications
- Made from virgin metals, not scrap, ensuring clean, consistent casting
- Approximately 5-pound ingot for convenient melting and use
Specifications
| Brand | Brownells |
| Alloy Composition | 94% Lead, 6% Tin |
| Ratio | 16 to 1 (Lead to Tin) |
| Brinell Hardness | Approximately 11 |
| Ingot Weight | Approximately 5 pounds |
| Material Source | Virgin metals |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this bullet casting alloy used for?
The Brownells 16 to 1 alloy is designed for cowboy action shooting and blackpowder cartridge loads. Its hardness and composition make it well-suited to traditional firearms and loads that call for softer bullets.
Why does it matter that this is made from virgin metals?
Virgin metal casting alloy is produced from pure, unrecycled sources, which means fewer impurities and contaminants in your finished bullets. This results in cleaner casting, more consistent results, and less fouling in your barrel compared to scrap-based alloys.
How much alloy is in each ingot?
Each ingot weighs approximately 5 pounds. Note that weights are approximate, as ingots are cast material.
What is the Brinell hardness of this alloy?
This alloy has a Brinell hardness of approximately 11, a proven hardness level for blackpowder and cowboy action applications.

