Casting lead ingots are more refined than basic lead. They’re usually created through a process known as “smelting.” This means that raw lead is heated beyond its melting point until it’s completely transitioned from solid to liquid form. To create these, there must be a mold ready for its specific purpose. The liquid is poured into the mold and allowed to cool until it transitions back to solid form. This process is quite dangerous and should only be done by those with the proper training, equipment, and environment.
Though they’re used in countless industries, two of the most common activities where casting lead ingots are used for hunting and target shooting. Here’s how they’re commonly utilized during these escapades.
Hunting and Target Shooting
Lead ingots are crucial components of both ammunition and firearms. For hunting rifles, they’re most often used in the components used to reload the chamber. This is because these ingots are one of the few materials refined enough to work reliably and not jam the gun. They can be technically used for all components of a rifle except for the stock and handle; however, less expensive materials are usually utilized for those. Most handguns used for target shooting also take advantage of these ingots for the same purposes.
Bullets contain several different components. Though they look very simple externally, they are sophisticated internally. Casting lead ingots are one of the few materials that is refined and precise enough to create a “cartridge” containing the gunpowder, projectile, and other internal mechanisms required for any gun to ultimately fire the round.
