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Thread: Lead Hardness tester

  1. #1
    Fauch125 is offline
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    Lead Hardness tester

    Any recommendations on the most reliable, easy to use, economical lead hardness tester (my criteria, in that order)? Would also appreciate a recommendation on where to purchase. Thanks in advance.
    Jon Faucher 4th Va. Inf EN region
    jonathan.faucher@verizon.net
    Shoot the brave officers, and the cowards will run away and take the men with them. -Jackson

  2. #2
    Wayne Shaw, 1985V is offline
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    Re: Lead Hardness tester

    Jon I in my humble opion I think that the one made by CastingStuff is the best money can buy. Very simple, robust and priced well. I've been using mine several years and it's great. Try http://www.castingstuff.com The owner Jim is a straight shooter and will stand behind his work. The company name is Cabin Tree LLC out in Washington Hope this helps Wayne Shaw Harlan's Light Cav 1985V

  3. #3
    Lou Lou Lou is offline
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    Re: Lead Hardness tester

    There is LBT lead hardness tester made in Texas I believe
    Lou Lou Lou Ruggiero
    Tammany Regt-42nd NYVI

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    Re: Lead Hardness tester

    I own both the Cabin Tree and the LBT testers. I prefer the LBT. If you prefer the Cabine Tree, make an offer and I'll sell you mine.

    The Cabin Tree will measure pieces of lead larger than 1 lb ingots. The LBT will not.

    The LBT on is lighter and easier to operate. If you ever drop the Cabin Tree tester, you'll be buying a new guage - the tester is pretty heavy.

    The LBT scale reads in BHN units, the Cabin Tree guage give a numeric reading that needs to be converted.
    Gary Van Kauwenbergh
    Co G, 114th ILL Vol Inf
    # 10143

    "Alle Kunst ist umsonst Wenn ein Engel in das Zündloch prunst."
    (In vain the skill and arts of man, When an angel pisses the priming pan.)
    Field Marshal Gebhard L. von Blücher

  5. #5
    Eggman's Avatar
    Eggman is offline Banned
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    Re: Lead Hardness tester

    Gary -- that saying at the end, isn't that the official motto of Honeywell??

  6. #6
    Ken Eckard is offline
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    Re: Lead Hardness tester

    I believe the skirmish line had an article about a home made hardness tester, cant remember how long ago 1 maybe 2 years ago, never tried it but it was said to be more reliable than store bought . I believe I'll dig around and see for myself also.
    Ken Eckard
    1st MD. CAV.

  7. #7
    JimB is offline
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    Re: Lead Hardness tester

    Ken, you are good - it was in the Oct/Nov/Dec 2008 issue, the one with Charlie and Linwood on the cover - Changing of the Guard.
    Jim Baird

  8. #8
    Ken Eckard is offline
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    Re: Lead Hardness tester

    I always read all articles and the whole Skirmish Line as simple as they may be . Like picking up a penny, a lot of little things add up over time.
    Ken Eckard
    1st MD.CAV.CSA

  9. #9
    Dominic Infante, 8359V is offline
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    Re: Lead Hardness tester

    I have a SAECO lead hardness tester that I purchased from Buffalo Arms Company for around $100 about 8 or so years ago. It is very reliable and generally easy to use. For instance, to check for reliability I have re-tested lead that I had tested 5 or more years ago and obtained the same value that I recorded originally. I have found it valuable in deciding whether to cast lead that I purchase from a salvage yard into musket, carbine, or revolver bullets.
    Dominic Infante, 8359V General Sherman's Bodyguard

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