Redding Saeco Lead Hardness Tester

If you're casting your own bullets, the Redding Saeco Lead Hardness Tester is the tool that lets you verify your projectiles are safe to shoot before they go downrange. This simple mechanical device gives you objective data on lead hardness, so you can be confident your cast rounds won't damage your barrel or cause pressure spikes. Whether you're working with scrap lead, wheel weights, or other sources, knowing the hardness of your finished bullets takes the guesswork out of handloading.

The tester works in minutes: insert a bullet into the aluminum housing, turn the hardened steel indenter until it stops, and read the depth of penetration on the vernier scale. That reading tells you exactly where your bullets fall on the SAECO hardness scale (0–10). This is especially valuable if you're loading for competition—black powder cartridge shooters can verify their cast bullets will seat properly in the rifling and shoot consistently, while handgun loaders can confirm their rounds meet velocity requirements without risk of bore damage.

Hardness targets vary by application: medium-velocity handgun loads need a minimum hardness of 6, while magnum handgun or gas-checked rifle bullets perform best at 8 or higher. For reference, wheel weights typically test between 7–9, and linotype reads a 10. Once you understand what hardness your sources deliver, you'll have repeatable confidence in every batch you cast.

This is fundamental gear for reloaders who take bullet casting seriously. It's simple, durable, and gives you the control you need to deliver safe, accurate ammunition.

Key Features

• SAECO scale calibrated 0–10 for quick hardness determination
• Aluminum housing with hardened steel indenter for durability
• Vernier scale for precise depth-of-penetration reading
• Fast testing—insert bullet, turn indenter to stop, read scale
• Helps ensure cast bullets are safe for your firearm and load
• Ideal for handgun, rifle, and black powder cartridge applications

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardness do I need for my bullets?

A hardness reading of at least 6 is required for medium-velocity handgun loads. For magnum handgun bullets or gas-checked rifle bullets, a reading above 8 is best. Black powder cartridge shooters should verify their cast bullets achieve proper hardness for consistent accuracy and rifling engagement.

Can I test bullets from different lead sources?

Yes. The tester works on any cast lead bullet. Common sources like wheel weights typically test between 7–9, while linotype reads a 10. Testing lets you verify the hardness of scrap lead, bought alloy, or recycled sources before you load them.

How do I use the hardness tester?

Insert a bullet into the aluminum housing, turn the hardened steel indenter until it stops, then read the depth of penetration on the vernier scale to determine hardness on the SAECO scale.

Is this tool useful for black powder competition?

Yes. Black powder cartridge rifle (BPCR) competitors can use the tester to confirm their cast bullets have the hardness needed for proper seating in the rifling and consistent accuracy in competition.