Lead Free

[Fatman]

Living here in Vermont they've passed new laws about split shot and sinkers less than 1/2 oz must be lead free or big fine.

Well several states nearby have no lead altogether so I'd like to switch over to all non lead and be able to carry one box where ever I go.

Been molding for over 20 years and I'm looking for the best, closest to the weight of lead that I can get.

I use a Lee Production Pot IV and they recommend that you not use zinc, copper, silver, gold, aluminum, pewter or brass as you can damage the inner pot and with the cost of them I agree.

So what can you guys come up with?? I'm leaning towards bismuth/tin but the 60%bis/40%tin only comes out at about 80% of the weight of lead.

Any suggestions??? My only other problem once I switch is seeing which salvage yard will give me the best price for all my lead LOL.

Thanks,

Fatman

[skiptomylu]

I would check with this guy and see if he can help since he makes lead free jig heads.

http://www.timmytoms.com/contactus.html

Skip

[FisherMike]

Fatman, they won't let you use up what you have first?
I guess it would be kind of hard to police though.
We'll probibly be next.

[grits and gravy]

Try bizmuth or tungsten. You can get this at the gun shops in the shot shell reloading section. It is kind of spendy but probably less than the ticket for using lead. Also the tungsten is much heavier than lead so you can make a jig with a smaller head and acheive your desired weight.

[Fatman]

FisherMike,

Yeah we can use up what we have but I have ALOT, between ball head, minnow head, tube, pony you know. My problem is when I go to several states nearby Like New Hampshire got to be lead free and I believe Maine has gone that way too.

I'd like to pour and NEVER have to worry about carrying a box for here, one for there.......

Split shot I'm just gonna buy. Gonna have to check out the tungston but I don't think that's gonna work with melt points with out injection molding. The bismouth/tin I'm trying to figure the best weight for the percentages I'm gonna try but the stuff is expensive. Leaning towards either 60 % bis/ 40% tin, or 70 % bis/ 30% tin.

Skip, Thanks for the info on timmytoms jigs. I'll email him and he'll either give me some advice or tell me no way buddy. Can't hurt.

Thanks,

Fatman