Chops/Jon:
I have been making test runs of Bi-Sn shot in my garage for several years. My wifes illness put the whole thing on hold for almost two years, but I am set to make another run this weekend. I will post dimensions, procedures, etc.
We borrowed info from our Aussie brethen, Marrakai being one, who guided us to an Aussie magazine discussing the matter. We have Americanized the process - for instance- the New Zealand shotmaker they were using apparently ran great as is for Bismuth, but our American Littleton ran too hot, so we had to add a rheostat to the controls. In order to get American shot of the sizes I wanted ( exactly the same as Pb ) we had to drill a BUNCH of nozzles, and check out a lot of geometries. My local custom machine shop thinks I am nuts, but welcomes the 200 or so bucks I have spent for custom nozzles over the last few years. The shot comes out nice and round if run at the right temp, through the right nozzle, dropping the right distance into the correct thickness of diesel ( yes diesel) before sinking into a tank of chilled water ( I have rigged a pump and chiller system to keep the cooling tank COLD).
If you buy a ton of Bi at a time, you can get the prices down to around 3 bucks a pound plus shipping.
More later. Tonight I am reviewing my 3 daughters homework.
REgards
GKT
