Lead Dust

JimmyJack

February 04, 2014 08:51

I got to the bottom of a pile of lead shot that has been sitting on the bottom of the pile for probably years. It is oxidized or dusty. Any way to clean it up or reduce the dusting when reloading? The shot isnt smooth any more but for $40 a bag Im going to shoot it up.

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  bpost

  February 04, 2014 08:56

  Powdered graphite..... roll it around in a 5 gallon bucket to evenly coat the shot.

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  wanted man

  February 04, 2014 10:29

  quote:Originally posted by bpost
  Powdered graphite..... roll it around in a 5 gallon bucket to evenly coat the shot.
  
  
  Will the graphite stick well, even without removing/minimizing the surface oxidation first?

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  Cheechako

  February 04, 2014 11:28

  I'd wash it. Put several pounds in a bucket, add water, stir and agitate, and the dust should mix with the water. Strain out the shot. Repeat until the water comes out clean.
  
  Be careful if you live in CA. It's probably against the law to handle the shot or pour the dirty water down the drain. Also, right now, it's probably against the law in CA to use water for anything except drinking.
  
  JMHO
  
  Ray

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  asphalt cowboy

  February 04, 2014 12:29

  I reclaimed shot from most of a case of paper hull that had been in a flooded basement.
  
  Give it a 15 minute or so run in a vibratory tumbler, no media or abrasive. Dump out on a screen and rinse with water. Once it's dry, back into the dry tumbler bowl with a bit of graphite or Mica Wad Slick. I used Mica Wad Slick, simply because I had it, but hardware store powdered graphite will work.

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  XXCross

  February 05, 2014 08:32

  Better be careful there lads. When lead oxidizes, the salts formed are highly toxic. (and they are soluble in water) Breathing any of that stuff isn't going to do your body any favors. At least wear a dust mask. (without the hole for the cigaret!)

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  Ray Boone

  February 08, 2014 14:59

  quote:
  Be careful if you live in CA. It's probably against the law
  JMHO
  
  Ray
  
  
  From what I've read, they've made just about everything against the law in California- that is, unless you came across the border illegally, in that case you can do what ever you want.

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  bpost

  February 09, 2014 05:45

  quote:Originally posted by wanted man
  quote:Originally posted by bpost
  Powdered graphite..... roll it around in a 5 gallon bucket to evenly coat the shot.
  
  
  Will the graphite stick well, even without removing/minimizing the surface oxidation first?
  
  
  Not sure but I'd give a coffee cup full a try before expending any other labor trying to salvage it. [:)] If that don't work then washing it sure will, then graphite it to make it flow smoothly in the hopper.

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  SoreShoulder

  February 13, 2014 04:57

  I'd mix the water with some concrete after you strain out the shot.

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