Solder and Flux Sources

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Solder and Flux Sources

Post by CavScout »

[mod="Ranch Dog"]This topic subject might be useful down the road and has been split from the topic it was posted in.[/mod]
Mad Trapper wrote: <snip>
I guess Ive been reading too much Elmer Keith.
Elmer Keith was quite the Wildcatter!
He gave us both the .357 and .44 Magnums... along with the "Keith Style" Semi-Wadcutter Lead Bullets.
I've enjoyed using all of them!
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Re: Solder and Flux Sources

Post by Mad Trapper »

I just bought the Keith mold 429421.
Not used it yet, but I will soon.
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https://www.midwayusa.com/product/10102 ... -wadcutter
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Re: Solder and Flux Sources

Post by CavScout »

Mad Trapper wrote:I just bought the Keith mold 429421.
Not used it yet, but I will soon.
<snip>
Getting way off topic, feel free to move it!

A little trick I discovered after casting 20:1 lead bullets for my Antique Firearms with Black Powder Loads...
Adding a little tin to junk lead really helps flow to fill-out the mold cavities for "Hard Cast" Bullets.

I used to get my Pure Tin Solder at Harbor Freight, but they don't carry it anymore.
When in stock, Amazon has it with Prime Shipping:
https://www.sra-solder.com/lead-free-so ... ound-spool
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Re: Solder and Flux Sources

Post by Mad Trapper »

Wonder if Lowes carries it in the plumbing section?
May have to check on my next trip into town when I pick up supplies, flour, feed,etc.
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Re: Solder and Flux Sources

Post by CavScout »

Mad Trapper wrote:Wonder if Lowes carries it in the plumbing section?
May have to check on my next trip into town when I pick up supplies, flour, feed,etc.
I know the feeling! It is an 85 mile round trip to the nearest city with the Big Stores! An easy 100 miles after running around! ;)
It's a 20 mile round trip to the nearest town with any stores!

Many hardware stores carry it. Harbor freight used to be the lowest cost.
Be sure it is Solid Core, with no flux!

What is very hard to find these days is Pure Lead!
It is needed for most firearms using Black Powder.
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Re: Solder and Flux Sources

Post by Mad Trapper »

Thank you CavScout for the info.
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Re: Solder and Flux Sources

Post by CavScout »

Mad Trapper wrote:Thank you CavScout for the info.
As far as Flux for your Lead Pot, you can go cheap with Canning Paraffin, or your kid's old Crayons.
But then you will be dealing with Stink, Smoke, and Open Flame.

It isn't as cheap, but Marvelux will make your session a lot more enjoyable:

https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tool ... d1132.aspx

1/2 lb. lasts a LONG time!
I use an old stainless Tablespoon to stir to the bottom of the pot, and skim off the Dross.
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Re: Solder and Flux Sources

Post by Ranch Dog »

My location is similar to what you guys describe, and it is very easy to make a shopping trip not worth the while. The last time I needed tin, I just bought it from Rotometals., I like the cut wire pieces. Order $99+ and shipping is free. Prior to that, I had bought a large box of it off of eBay. Won't do that again.

For flux, I use cedar shavings. Years ago I bought a large box from Pat Marlin on castboolits, it was very cheap and I don't think I will ever use anything else. I didn't see that listed in his products, but it might be worth contacting him. That was 15 years ago, but despite my level of casting, I probably have another 15 years to go on the one box.
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Re: Solder and Flux Sources

Post by GasGuzzler »

I use small votive candles from Walmart as flux. A large bag is only a couple bucks.
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Re: Solder and Flux Sources

Post by Mad Trapper »

Ive got a couple boxes full of ingot bars melted down from wheel weights.
Ive also found quite a bit of pure lead rd balls that I was putting back over the past ten years for my black powder revolvers.
Thinking about using the pure lead but will have to harden it up some.
I will check my lyman cast bullet manual for a recipe.
I am wanting a hard cast bullet for my rossi 92 44 mag with the Keith bullet.
I also have the NOE mold version of the lyman 311440, and want some hard cast bullets for the 94 in 30-30 and the ruger blackhawk 30 carbine.

http://noebulletmolds.com/NV/product_in ... cts_id=273

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I will tell you what, That little hammer head will do some damage I do believe.
And the NOE mold is excellent quality.
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