Shotgun slug question

[Dirtshooter]

Hi guys, I have some lee cast slugs that I cast several years ago and I don't remember if they are pure lead or COWW's. Does it matter if the lead is hard like COWW or do they need to be pure soft lead?? Thanks for any constructive comments!!! Mac

[Quavodus]

Mac, I wouldn't think that it would hurt a shotgun barrel to shoot them. They might not expand on game like soft lead but, they really don't have to. They're mean regardless. Another thing if they're undersize I don't know if they will puff out to fit barrel snug. Might have to experiment and shoot some.

[xsubsailor]

If you're shooting them through a cylinder or maybe an improved cylinder choke it shouldn't be a problem but I wouldn't go any tighter without checking the hardness of the lead. If you can put a groove in it with your fingernail it should be soft enough if they are rifled slugs.

Edited August 21, 2021 by xsubsailor

[Dirtshooter]

Thanks guys, like I said I cast them several years ago and have never loaded them, ran across them in the excess in the barn.

[ReeferMac]

Would re-melting/casting help determine the contents?

[RED333]

https://forum.castbulletassoc.org/thread/dhccking-lead-hardness-with-drawing-pencils/

Pencil Hardness    BHN

6B                           4-5

5B                           7-8

4B                            9

3B                            10

2B                            11-12

B                               13

HB                             14-15                        

F                                16-18

H                                20-22

2H                              26-28

[Clutch80]

I just checked Hobby Lobby's website and they have a set for $10.  SKU 104869 in the art department.  I may out and pick some up this week.

[RED333]

22 hours ago, ReeferMac said:

Would re-melting/casting help determine the contents?

Not really, you need to test hardness, I use a Cabin Tree tester.

https://castingstuff.com/cabinetree_llc___lead_testers.htm

[Dirtshooter]

Thanks guys, but you are overthinking it here. I have since moved and don't have access to that mold, but I could buy one. Not going to all that trouble.