Using Lead Wheel Weights to make Buckshot & Bullets!

Here it is guys! This is lead recycling at it's best! In this video I take you thru the steps that I take to turn wheel weights into Billets to use for Buckshot & Bullets!
www.bubbarountr...

[@buffalosoutdoors]

I only recently found your channel. I've been watching a bunch of your videos over the last couple weeks. I really enjoy them.

[@natethetoe386]

I'm just a modern age city boy, but I love watching videos like this. Looks like so much fun.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Always enjoy watching newer videos of casters at work. Your vid reminds me of the good old days doing wheel weights. I used to get them for free from tire shops, and I'd also buy them from metal scrap yards for 35 cents a pound. Used to buy them 300 pounds at a time. And the older wheel weights had more antimony and tin (they were perfect for 44 magnum Keith bullets as they were - your newer WWs have less antimony and tin - I'd love to get a whole bunch). When the price went to 50 cents a pound, I started to use range scrap (free). Now, in CA, you can't even find lead wheel weights anywhere, not even in the street, or lying around parking lots…steel and zinc have taken over. But range scrap is pretty doggone good to use - it is antimonial lead (2-4%) and perfect for making standard velocity handgun loads as is…Good castin' to ya...

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

Thanks buddy! Love watchin' your vids my friend! I have had to learn to use whatever I can get my hands around here... It's just going to get harder to find I'm afraid...

[@dkhanlin1]

Bubba Rountree Outdoors Absolutely LOVE that big Cast Iron Pot you are using. I was using a 12" Cast Iron Skillet that is about 3" deep, but just recently bought a 5 Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven. We just used it this past weekend on a pretty large Range Lead Recovery Cleanup (555 lbs). It worked out great!

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

DKH TACTICAL Yep, Bubba Rountree Outdoors has a mighty fine setup there...and yours isn't bad either... Good castin' to all y'all...

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

DKH TACTICAL Hey Don! I would love to know just how much scrap lead has been melted in that old pot!! It's been a good one...

[@carfvallrightsreservedwith6649]

Thank you. Learned a lot! Tire shop gives me all the WW's I want (have two 5 gallon buckets so far), just gotta bring an empty bucket back each time for exchange. Never imagined that the steel clips would float on top.

[@timsturgill3617]

I am just starting out in bullet casting I will only be making round balls for my cap & ball revolver Now I can use the wheel Weights I get them for free my son-in-law works at a tire shop I am going to order all of the tools I will need to begin casting the round balls You have helped me out ALOT SIR Thank YA Very much

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

My pleasure Tim!

[@southernshop8424]

Thank you Wade, im new to reloading and have watched many of your videos and learned something valueable from each of them. You are the best resource that i have found to learn from. God bless you and yours

[@bushjared89]

Extremely informative Bubba!! I work at the Gadsden Al Goodyear tire plant so I'm sure I can get my hands on some easy. This kinda stuff will be worth more than gold if stuff hits the fan and ammo is no longer available. Ppl will hav to use these skills to survive

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Jared Bush - Here in CA, that doesn't even work anymore. The tire shops have calculated quotas of wheel weights that they "should" generate. And the regulations state that they have to turn in their "quotas". Employees "skimming off the top" will result in violations, investigations and penalties. How's that for putting an end to this source of lead for casters? Best to ya...

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

You are correct my brother!! Send me a PM if you get your hands on some extras!

[@victorwaddell6530]

Jared Bush If and when the time comes , I'd rather have $1,000 worth of lead than a gold coin valued at $1,000 .

[@markRTFGuns]

It’s sad that Goodyear has closed there and went overseas ! So sad.

[@Batmite61]

Ah I found it. 😁 I knew you'd have a video showing this. Thanks Wade.

[@youknoweverything7643]

Love vjdeo great info. I work at a tire shop / almost shop we do mostly Automotive work but we do tires as well I get all my leg for free from Wheel weight I've been melting it down four years to race car LED for the white boxes for Circle Track Racing but now I'm trying to get in the bullet making and I'm trying to learn how to do the whole process of using wax to separate and refine it down the more peer-led get the sink everything else out of the wheel weights that are LED because they're mixed with other alloys

[@dannyduron5465]

I just bought a reproduction pepperbox black powder pistol and it came with a bullet mold can't wait to start making my own!

[@billprice6248]

great video thanks

[@nugrosis]

Came looking into ways for making my sinkers for fishing. Learned something new. Thank you!

[@josephcomorosky8487]

I use the zinc ones for fishing sinkers and jig heads.. I mix it with some soft lead... but for fishing only.

[@donmurrin5269]

Youre a good ole boy son. Thanks. You'd be a great neighbor.

[@rammbostein]

Nice video presentation and i like the chicken coop, my grand parents used to raise chickens, we often had fresh eggs. Somehow they always tasted better than the store bought.

[@Calhoun1224]

the great state of NY will not let tire shops use anything but zinc or non lead wheel weights therefor I get about 25 percent good lead and 75 percent steel and zinc weights when I can get them. It was a great source of lead for me for a long time. No more. Thanks for the video Bubba.

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

Hi Karl... you are correct my friend! I suspect that it's gonna get worse in the coming months!

[@contreeman]

JUST PICKED UP 2 1/2 GALLONS OF WHEEL WEIGHT AT MY TIRE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER. THANKS FOR THE INFO. WHEN COOLS DOWN THIS FALL I WILL BEGIN MY ADVENTURE THANKS GOD BLESS

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

That's great! Sometimes all you have to do is ask...

[@wemcal]

Great video, that looks so relaxing

[@jamesteffertiller7813]

Never thought of using muffin tins as ingot molds. Great idea.

[@DimaProk]

you probably never watch youtube ;-) everyone uses muffin trays!

[@williamrutledge3156]

Thought it interesting using chunks of old candles to bring out the impurities. When I use to mold bullets muzzleloading about fifty years ago (yeah I’m old) it was common practice to use a dollop (if you don’t know what a dollop is ask grandma) of Crisco for purifying.

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

Yesser! I get it my friend! I do know what a dollop is! I guess I'm an old guy too...

[@jambaljamtsgan-erdene3662]

@@BubbaRountreeOutdoors Hi. What else can be added to purification?

[@jaytee2716]

I got some lead from a hospital we were putting up new drywall in the X-ray room and there was a big slab of lead in the wall and I took some of it. 😂 I haven’t started casting my own bullets yet but I was hoping it would be good for doing that once I get around to buying all the stuff needed to cast.

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

that's a great find! hospitals use pure/soft lead but that's where it all starts. You can always add alloy to harden the soft lead!

[@Semyon_Semyonych]

What really makes this whole process possible is that fact that lead is one of the heaviest elements known to the man. Thus, all other metals (steel, iron, zinc and so on) float on the melted lead's surface, making it easy to pick them up with a spoon or ladle and throw this crap away.

[@fishinggunsflyrods]

Just what I needed....at an affordable price!!

[@lowennunn6312]

thank you for this video, helps an old man a lot looking to cast some bullets

[@mrsseasea]

The reason why I’m here is because I buy old cast iron cookware, want to know if just by looking at a piece if you can tell it’s been used for melting lead?

[@MaceGaming53]

i tie wire to the steal tops so i can pull them out

[@Prepare2Survive]

If you flux it before you take the steel clips out the tin wont stick to the clips when you remove them. Not skimming off any tin so it stays in the lead is always a good idea.

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

Thanks for the tip P2S!

[@imjustmetoo7419]

Nice video man. You just saved me alot of money (was going to invest in a smelter). Hope you are doing well. Take care.

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

doing well brother! I have an updated video on this subject: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpDbi6dspZWNoMk

[@Kekker1944]

When I cast Hard BULLETS I mix 50/50 Wheel Weights with Linotype Lead. it comes out as number 2 alloy on the hardness scale.

[@LukeLGK]

Great video!

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

Thanks Luke!

[@grandwonder5858]

Thank you so much buddy for posting this video! I’ve been wanting to melt a bunch of wheel weights into fishing weights but I wasn’t sure if I need two pots to melt the wheel weights and the lead before I could turn them into fishing weights -- one for melting the wheel weights into lead ingots, the other for melting those lead ingots into fishing weights. You have answered my questions for me! Now, you said these lead could be melted into molten lead even though they aren’t pure lead? I thought any impurities in the lead would simply be separated from the lead and would float onto the surface into their own seperate metal or element. Guess I’m wrong about that.

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

My pleasure! Now-a-days I do try to separate as much of the steel and zink as i can before melting the alloy. but as long as you keep the temps around 650 degrees you will be good to go! Wade

[@brettvibbert5001]

if you flux it before you scoop off all the clips and crud it pulls all the tin and antimony back into the alloy and you'll get a better end product

[@metalmicky]

You can’t get the antimony or the tin to separate from the lead.

[@kaptein1247]

Does it really matter for some bullets?

[@CrawdadBod]

shoot, I was over half way through the video before I noticed your a local. I should have caught on with the palmetto tree on the shirt haha

[@victorwaddell6530]

Thomas Dowd Palmetto State Pride !

[@dougmoore5252]

Thank you Sir, doing the same, smaller scale.

[@NoOne-wv6zc]

Greetings from Spartanburg SC

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

hey brother!!

[@cliffordcommanda6105]

Good job using the gloves... I was wondering, does melting lead have breathing hazards? I know lead particles in the air at gun ranges is bad, but does fumes include lead?

[@KristyLeeVlogs]

Other than cast iron, is there another pot that could be used? And is there a specific metal I would need to stir it? As far a molds- tin? Aluminum? Thanks.

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

I also use a big 'steel' pot as well! I have seen folks use whatever they have! I've seen folks use aluminium too... The thick iron vessels hold heat very well! That's the main reason for using iron... Wade

[@georgevanluven5820]

If you drill from the outside in 1/8" holes about 15-20 in the spoon you loose a lot less lead and is much easier to strain . From outside in leaves a little ridge in bottom of spoon which will hold debris. just a suggestion. hope it helps.

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

+George VanLuven Thanks George!! I appreciate it my friend... Wade

[@georgevanluven5820]

as I was just watching your "casting & loading 45 acp & 9mm luger" I could hear you saying something about Christianity but couldn't hear it wish I could maybe I ill catch it in another video

[@639Beaver]

Interesting. Great video.

[@eadccomponents8897]

Love your chickens! I have 6 :D Thanks for the vid on casting man it was helpful!

[@carlosreyes6448]

Can you pour the lead straight from your pot, into the bullet molds?

[@darrenfisherman3838]

Great video 👍

[@williamtbaird8457]

Awesome video. Thank you. Do you melt spent bullet lead? Thanks again.

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

Yes... you can also melt down range lead! Use the same technique Will... Wade

[@dano9215]

Thats cool, steel floats on molten lead.

[@bigmanlilcoat]

When melting fishing weights and some range scrap, do I add soldier to increase hardness for buckshot?

[@dustinjohnson1952]

Thats hard lead

[@adampappy]

Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@carlosmehicano8052]

hey how heavy is the melted lead in that pot, I'm looking at trying to melt a bit under 20kg in one go. reckon it would work?

[@Rev.nighthawk]

Love the content those muffins are Ellie made biskets

[@vanferrell7021]

I use a fishing weights works real good for birdshot

[@robertchristiansson3572]

if the lead is 100% pure. do you add anything Before you make bullets?

[@Big88Country]

I picked me up a very cheap strainer ladle used for getting hush puppies out of the grease and it works much better than the regular ladle, give it a try! Also, be VERY careful messing with lead from car batteries, the lead from them contain cadmium and arsenic, which is VERY poisonous!

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

thanks buddy!

[@bertkilborne6464]

I have about 120 lb of leas ingots that someone used for fishing, so I don't know the composition. They feel soft so I'm thinking they're pure. how can I add tin or antimony?

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

you can use standard solder to raise antimony & tin content.

[@chrisnikiel2743]

I also use wheel weights. But after the steel starts to float that is when I flux. This makes the tin and anatomy go back into solution. Then skim the steel and flux again scraping the sides. Skim again and its ready to cast. If you skim without fluxing first you are throwing the best part of wheel weights in the trash. Don't believe me? Try it both ways and check the hardness.

[@luvtahandload7692]

There is some very good information for us beginning casters. Thanks!

[@spcpitts]

Drill a 1/16" hole in your latle and the clean lead will fall through it but the junk stays in.

[@SA-lr1sf]

Great idea! Thanks

[@mostlikelywedoitservices6926]

Mass melt no bottom pour. When I am making a product, bottom pour only, so leave all the crap on top. And flux continuously. If the layer on top gets too thick I remove some. My pot stays clean and I never have to clean it out. And lead always comes out great.

[@mikeharris36]

Bubba Rountree Outdoors Hey Wade... I was wondering where u got all your lead from for all them buckshots you be making!

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

LOL! Yeah buddy! I have eyes out there everywhere lookin' for any lead that can be found...

[@garyrobinson6345]

I need 36 cal ball lead ammo for my Navy Colt. Is that the 1/16 size & do u mold ammo for the muzzle cap & ball weps Thank u

[@britcom1]

Great info, thanks.

[@nineteenhundred1589]

hello would you use the WW to make 7/8oz Lee slugs. And any special method to remove impurities thank you

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

+Darrell Baxter Yes... WW work well in the Lee molds! It's easy to remove the unwanted material from your alloy. Just scoop off anything that floats from your alloy and you will be good to go! Wade

[@troyhawkins5720]

I just started a week ago melting my own lead. When I clean it and flux it it still gets a purple and blueish film on it. I know it’s probably burning but how do you keep it from burning? I tried turning it down but still does it. I have the exact same setup as you.

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

Yep. Lead melts at around 650 degrees, if temps get up around 790 degrees the zinc will start melting with your lead. It's not the end of the world but with zinc mixed into your alloy it's awful hard to cast with it because of the hardness of the mix!

[@vinceruland9236]

So using 100% wheel weights will have sufficient hardness for casting bullets?

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

+Vince ruland Yes...

[@vinceruland9236]

+Bubba Rountree Outdoors thanks for the reply. Never done this before, but working on getting all the equipment.

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

+Vince ruland I love it! For me, there's nothing more rewarding than taking a deer with a round that I built!

[@SA-lr1sf]

Didn't you separate the steel before you melted? How come you have so much extras after each meltdown?

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

Yes, but you will miss weights that aren't lead, every thing harder than lead will float to the top of the alloy and you can scoop it off.

[@alanlabar7722]

EXCELLENT VIDEO - Thank You.

[@Mrsnoopy465]

that's awesome yall, nice video!

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

Thanks buddy!

[@graderman12h34]

I use the wheel weights.I tried useing copper wirer but can't seem to get it right

[@Yelloyote]

Thanks for the info.

[@dlighted8861]

Thanks I learned a lot. What the heck is the tooting in the background noise? Too much chili yesterday?🤗😉🤗

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

the livestock make a lot of noise out there sometimes... Chickens, Ducks, Quail, Turkeys!

[@MrPatrick7777]

Thanks for sharing!

[@vincenttisdale1059]

So you could splay the lead on the table get a magnet and pull all the steel out to separate before you start, no??

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

absolutely! i would recommend it... that's how i do the sort now-a-days!

[@kaybrown9302]

Could you use a portable gas stove burner for melting?

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

yes you can!

[@scott98390]

Can you still find lead wheel weights?

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

it's getting harder to find 'real lead weights' most are steel or zinc now-a-days. You have to sort out the good stuff! If the tire shops will let you have em.

[@roberttolley2293]

God bless, can I use wheel weights for. .490, muzzle loader 50 cal round ball

[@jamesjohnson9668]

Do u scrap ur steel

[@maxhole2]

I know you said you've been doing this a long time so I'm sure you know, but saying for other folks. Watch out that your wheel weights or other lead pieces you are introducing to the pot are TOTALLY DRY. I had rain sprinkle on the last four weights and without thinking I dropped em on in. The molten lead exploded.

[@DimaProk]

Yep, you have to do one batch at a time, that way even when it's wet it won't explode because it will have time to dry. If I must add something to the molten lead, I dip it a little first and wait for it to heat up and dry but it's risky.

[@murphfee617]

Very helpful Thank you Sir

[@MaceGaming53]

also so where do you get all these wights??

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

I used to get all that I wanted 4 free from local tire shops! but now you're lucky to find shops that will sell it to you! All thst you can do is ask them if they are willing to part with a few used wheel weights. or maybe they will sell you some.

[@MaceGaming53]

Bubba Rountree Outdoors thank you

[@victorwaddell6530]

Bubba Rountree Outdoors I've found that Mexican tire shops are more likely to sell wheelweights than the locals . Many of the local Anglos use them like you and I do , but the Mexicans will turn a quick buck off of scrap if they can. It helps if you Habla a little Espanol . Recently I did some business with a Mexican tire shop , paid with a debit card , then got a five gallon bucket of plomo for thirty bucks cash . All lead , no steel or zinc , except for the wheel clips . Happy Smelting !

[@JenkyBoom]

perhaps you have already. however, could you talk about fluxing. why you do it exactly.

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

I will cover that in the next smelting video!

[@carlosreyes6448]

Can you use lead tape weights?

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

Yes you can... you can use any lead!

[@DimaProk]

What the heck is a billet? I heard you use that word to describe ingots. You need better laddle, mine is more rounded and I can easily fill one muffin and more and for scooping off dross and clips I use spoon with holes, works great.

[@jrwatkins3872]

Wheel weights are VERY HARD TO GET NOW here in WA SSR.

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

it's about the same here nowadays!! very sad...

[@mikedavidson7171]

Nice!

[@TvConfusionn]

how can I ventilate the air so the toxic fumes dont go else where?

[@AaronSmith-vx4pp]

Just commenting so when someone answers i know also!

[@commonsence8223]

Just be outside with wind at your back or a fan at your side if no wind that day

[@DavidHarris-qn7em]

Keep your temp at 750 °F or so and the zinc won't melt and contaminate the lead

[@JohnDavidMiller-j7l]

Based on Tee Shirt...what part of SC?

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

Camden

[@JohnDavidMiller-j7l]

@@BubbaRountreeOutdoors Hartsville

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

@@JohnDavidMiller-j7l my son lives in Hartsville and works at the Robinson Plant.

[@stevenlawson9460]

Best 38 projectiles I made was with wheel weights

[@natethetoe386]

Could you melt the lead over a wood camp fire?

[@hobowalker1]

Nate L You absolutely can, takes a little longer. I cast while camping and it takes a while but is really relaxing. Campfires were all folks had for centuries to cast bullets.

[@erwinb3412]

Shooting lead in nature is polluting , and in some countries forbidden . Make a video how to smelt steel bullets .

[@commonsence8223]

Steel bullets are too hard to be shot out of guns. Bullet will get stuck and cause barrel to explode. Lead has some give and will slide and scrape out of the barrel.

[@jamesjohnson9668]

U outa use the steal clips and forge something out of them

[@carfvallrightsreservedwith6649]

Damn, that's a beautiful cast iron pot to sacrifice for lead. I get it but it still hurts to see.

[@jimbauer6822]

Nothing but watching lead melt where is the bullet and buck shot mold ing

[@josecosmealburquequeromero7578]

Excelente.pero yo hablo español 😅

[@thelongjourney3847]

too cool~!

[@chuckfinley3152]

whatch out for zinc!

[@jasonlopez4855]

Do you wear a respirator mask 😷 just thinking 🤔 dangerous be careful with no wind.

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

yessir I have a respirator! I use it a lot...

[@garynichols2514]

I'm from Sumter where are you just of

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

We're near Camden!

[@nickjm37fordel1]

New.......What does the candle wax do when it burns off like that ?

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

It works as a flux to make it easier to remove impurities from the alloy! When you stir the wax into your alloy you will see what looks like black dust or film forming on the surface... it makes it a little easier to scoop it off.

[@silverpiratjonmersalov4054]

Рич привет как дела как охота.Картечницы продаешь еще.

[@leonguthrie7461]

bubba I got about 2000 lbs of pure lead melted in 2 lbs ingots. Care to trade for some premium hulls? Also, cant find Blue Dot around my way, but I got a supply of Pro Reach which burns a little slower than blue dot. I loaded some brand new Ficchoi hulls I bought from BPI, 37 grains of Pro Reach, with a 1 oz Lee slug sitting in those wads you recommended. these are roll crimped. how's that sound for a starting point???

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

That slug load should be killer Leon! I cant find Blue-dot either... so I've had to adjust and start using Hodgdon G-6 & IMR-4756. Yesser I will trade hulls for lead! Send me a PM whenever you get a chance Leon.

[@hkc6817]

Leon Guthrie p

[@pareloader5989]

Chickens with lead poisoning! Lol

[@Batmite61]

😂

[@ClarkesonTheMarksman]

All I've got at the moment is old roofing lead, stripped from jobs I've helped out on. Beggars can't be choosers

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

Heck yeah! I have a load of flashing lead as well. Works great!

[@DeepRuffian]

what's a good alternative to lead wheel weights

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

There's not too many alternatives left out there anymore! If you can find reclaimed battery lead (pig lead) that's some good stuff... almost 100% pure lead!

[@DeepRuffian]

+Bubba Rountree Outdoors i could use those for slugs

[@BubbaRountreeOutdoors]

Yesser! I use wheel weights for most of my slugs!