Reloading with Zinc

[Lcordero52]

Anyone here cast with zinc and if so, what are your thoughts?

[Lcordero52]

CZ p10-c Optic ready

9mm

Lyman 356402 dv mold CZ P10c

125gr mold drops 77gr zinc projectile

1.145 oal

 

Shooters World Auto Pistol powder

4 rounds each

 

Load test

5.5gr = stove pipe no good

6.0gr = better but stove pipe

6.3gr = soft shooting one stove

6.5gr = cycles good feels a little slow

6.8gr = nice cycle accurate

 

Next load will be 7.0gr. I expect this load to be the one I go with depending on PSI signs.

The 6.8 PSI signs were minimal and I am using magnum primers. A 7.0 load should end up like a 6.6 load with normal primers.

Still need to chrono but my chrono is down and I need to send it back.

 

Update

7.0gr was 1540 fps

 

 

[Darrell]

That's interesting. I've always avoided even a smidge of zinc in my lead pot, and never considered casting with it. Have you recovered any fired rounds? I'm curious if they remain intact.

[RED333]

Zinc tends to corrod Alu molds, be careful. I have not cast with zinc just lead.