Brownells 40 To 1 Bullet Casting Alloy 5Lb Ingot

If you're casting bullets for black powder rifles or other traditional firearms, the Brownells 40 To 1 Bullet Casting Alloy is formulated to deliver the performance characteristics those loads demand. This 5-pound ingot contains virgin lead and tin blended in a 97.5% to 2.5% ratio, creating a softer alloy with a Brinell hardness of approximately 8.5. That lower hardness matters: it produces consistent expansion and excellent weight retention when bullets are fired at black powder velocities, making it well-suited for muzzleloaders, lever-actions, and other traditional shooting applications.

Brownells sources this alloy from virgin metals rather than scrap stock, which means you're adding clean, predictable material to your casting operation. Consistency in your casting alloy translates to consistency in your finished bullets—important whether you're loading for hunting, target work, or historical reenactment shooting. Each ingot weighs approximately 5 pounds, giving you a manageable quantity for home bullet casters.

Whether you're new to casting or have years of experience at the pot, having a dedicated alloy designed for black powder ballistics removes guesswork from your process. Mix this alloy with your casting technique and you'll have bullets optimized for the velocities and performance expectations of traditional firearms.

Key Features

• Virgin metal composition ensures clean, consistent casting stock
• Soft alloy formulation (Brinell hardness ~8.5) for reliable expansion at black powder velocities
• 97.5% lead, 2.5% tin ratio optimized for traditional firearm applications
• 5-pound ingot (approximate weight) sized for typical home reloading operations
• Consistent weight retention for predictable bullet performance

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this alloy good for black powder rifle bullets?

Yes. The soft hardness rating and lead-tin ratio are specifically formulated to deliver consistent expansion and weight retention at black powder velocities, making it well-suited for muzzleloaders and traditional cartridge rifles.

What is Brinell hardness and why does it matter for casting?

Brinell hardness measures how hard the alloy is. A lower hardness (like this alloy's ~8.5) means softer bullets that expand more readily at lower velocities. This is ideal for black powder loads but less suitable for modern high-velocity centerfire applications.

Is this virgin or recycled metal?

This alloy is made from virgin metals, not scrap. That means you're starting with clean stock, which promotes consistency and predictability in your finished bullets.

What does "40 To 1" mean?

"40 To 1" refers to the ratio of lead to tin in the alloy: 40 parts lead to 1 part tin, or 97.5% lead and 2.5% tin.