I started casting in 1975. Then I had a huge supply of pure lead, linotype and bar solder. I got the Lyman #2 formula from the Lyman casting manual, and for many years I judiciously weighed out the 3 components. Back then, and still today, many advocate the Lyman #2 formula.

About 30 years ago I ran out of the 3 components. At the same time I was gifted a couple of buckets of wheel weights. I stockpiled them and have been using straight WWs ever since.


Before casting I was using Speer wadcutters and had leading all the time. Since casting my own I have not leaded a single barrel.

I find that WWs are very consistent. I water quench out of the mold and that has increased the hardness. I won't use range lead because I don't know what the alloy is (might be some Speers in there).

My casting is done in the basement with virtually no ventillation. Also, I shoot at an indoor range at least one a week. After 49 years of doing all that my blood tests show virtually no lead contamination.