Linotype lead

[Brickman301]

As a lot of you know, my brother and I sell soft lead. Every once and awhile, we come across other types of lead, keep some for ourselves and sell the rest.
Well tonight, we were able to score over 660 pounds of linotype. Most of it is in the desirable small print pieces! We haven’t come across a large source like this in a few years. Last time we did, it didn’t last long before we sold out.
I thought I’d post it here before I list it in the classified section, or on any other websites.
If anyone is interested send me a PM. It will be available for pickup only in Frederick, for $1.75 per pound.

Mods, if this post is not allowed, please take it down.

 

[Brickman301]

Here a picture of the linotype.

 

[inkd]

I wish I lived closer. I would take some off your hands. That is one hell of a find!!!!

 

[Brickman301]

I wish I lived closer. I would take some off your hands. That is one hell of a find!!!!

Yeah this stuff is getting harder to find as time passes. I had to look at my old post, it looks like the last time I found a big lot of linotype was back in 2019. I posted that I was purchasing 1,000 pounds, but i ended up buying 1,800 pounds.

 

[inkd]

Yeah this stuff is getting harder to find as time passes. I had to look at my old post, it looks like the last time I found a big lot of linotype was back in 2019. I posted that I was purchasing 1,000 pounds, but i ended up buying 1,800 pounds.

Most times I've found it for a decent price it was too far to pick up and shipping upped the price to where it just wasn't worth it.

I couldn't imagine melting down 1800 pounds!!!!

 

[Melnic]

Me want!

Do you know the hardness of it? is it like 20+?

Do you also have some pure lead left?

 

[Pinecone]

I used to buy this at 35 cents per pound.

 

[Melnic]

I used to buy this at 35 cents per pound.

Did you also buy Enfields for $39 out of a barrel at the hardware store

 

[Brickman301]

Me want!

Do you know the hardness of it? is it like 20+?

Do you also have some pure lead left?

I haven’t tested this batch for it’s hardness, but every time I’ve done it in the past, linotype has always been between 21-22. I can’t imagine this batch would be any different.

Right now I'm out of pure lead but send me a pm. I should be getting more soft lead in soon. I will have sheet lead in sheet form, and ingots made from sheet lead.
Thanks for the interest!

 

[Blacksmith101]

I have bought from Brickman, good man.

 

[GunBum]

I bought about 100 pounds last time Brickman301 had linotype. It was good quality stuff and made good bullets. I wish I was still in Frederick so I could get more. A 16 hour drive is a bit much for lead.

 

[engineerbrian]

Can you educate us on what Linotype lead is and why its so desirable?

 

[snake-eye]

Linotype is 4% Tin, 12% Antimony and 84% Lead. BNH hardness is 22. Lead is 5. wheel weights are 12. Linotype is brittle but mixed with lead it makes for a great cast bullet. Mixed with equal parts of lead it makes the equivalent of Lyman no. 2 which makes for an excellent cast bullet. I’ve been casting those for years with great success and no leading in barrels. Mostly revolver applications.

 

[GunBum]

Can you educate us on what Linotype lead is and why its so desirable?

It makes nice hard cast bullets when you mold them as is. It’s usually 4% tin, 12% antimony, and 84% lead, although the composition varies.

Lyman #2 alloy, as a comparison, is 5% tin, 5% antimony, and 90% lead.

 

[engineerbrian]

Linotype is 4% Tin, 12% Antimony and 84% Lead. BNH hardness is 22. Lead is 5. wheel weights are 12. Linotype is brittle but mixed with lead it makes for a great cast bullet. Mixed with equal parts of lead it makes the equivalent of Lyman no. 2 which makes for an excellent cast bullet. I’ve been casting those for years with great success and no leading in barrels. Mostly revolver applications.

It makes nice hard cast bullets when you mold them as is. It’s usually 4% tin, 12% antimony, and 84% lead, although the composition varies.

Lyman #2 alloy, as a comparison, is 5% tin, 5% antimony, and 90% lead.

Great info. Thanks

 

[Brickman301]

I have bought from Brickman, good man.

Thank you!

 

[Brickman301]

I bought about 100 pounds last time Brickman301 had linotype. It was good quality stuff and made good bullets. I wish I was still in Frederick so I could get more. A 16 hour drive is a bit much for lead.

Thank you for the kind words.

 

[Brickman301]

Can you educate us on what Linotype lead is and why its so desirable?

I haven’t been for a few days, other than just quick looks.

Looks like others answered your question perfectly.

 

[Pinecone]

Did you also buy Enfields for $39 out of a barrel at the hardware store

Nope. I missed those. I never even saw them. If I had, I would have.

I started casting in 1977. Linotype was available at almost any scrap metal dealer for 35 cents per pound.

 

[Pinecone]

Lyman Reloading Handbook, 45th. Edition

4 pounds Linotype
1 pound 50/50 bar solder
5 pounds pure lead
Makes 10 pounds of #2 alloy

The 50/50 solder is to add tin which improves casting and gives a better bullet.