Traditional Muzzleloading Association

Shooting Traditional Firearms and Weapons => General Interest => Topic started by: Salty on January 16, 2026, 03:24:32 PM

Title: Tin in your lead
Post by: Salty on January 16, 2026, 03:24:32 PM
Anybody know of a way to remove tin and antimony from range lead?
Title: Re: Tin in your lead
Post by: LongWalker on January 16, 2026, 11:01:04 PM
Did you want a safe way?  Because there isn't one. . . which is a bummer, because it would make our supply issues so much easier to resolve. 

About the best you can do is to sell the range lead and buy what you want (or trade the range lead directly for what you want).  There's no safe way to remove the tin/antimony/etc at home. 
Title: Re: Tin in your lead
Post by: doggoner on January 17, 2026, 02:42:53 PM
Just an observation-- but why worry about it? The ball doesn't touch the rifling because of the patch material and no target or critter will complain. Only a cap and ball pistol would be exposed to the lead and you could save your pure lead for them. Again just my take it this subject. YMMV.

doggoner
Title: Re: Tin in your lead
Post by: Salty on January 17, 2026, 05:55:09 PM
I have noticed lately that when I skim the dross I have noticed a green blue purple liquid floating on top.
Any idea what that might be?
Title: Re: Tin in your lead
Post by: Bigsmoke on January 17, 2026, 06:12:58 PM
Quote from: Salty on January 17, 2026, 05:55:09 PM
I have noticed lately that when I skim the dross I have noticed a green blue purple liquid floating on top.
Any idea what that might be?

I dunno.  Sounds kinda like swamp water to me. :luff:
Or it could be politicians' blood.
How close are you to Area 51?
Title: Re: Tin in your lead
Post by: RobD on January 18, 2026, 07:34:51 AM
Quote from: Salty on January 17, 2026, 05:55:09 PM
I have noticed lately that when I skim the dross I have noticed a green blue purple liquid floating on top.
Any idea what that might be?

Yep, I've noticed it at times as well.  Also a gold/tan coloring at times.  Could be many things such as what yer fluxing with, or impurities in the lead/alloy or what's left in the furnace pot from a previous melt.  As long as it's scooped out all will be as good as it can be.
Title: Re: Tin in your lead
Post by: No Powder on January 18, 2026, 08:09:34 AM
Just keep scooping Salty.  Rainbows are pretty but not when they're on top of the lead pot.