Rifle ballance

[Alex Wheeler]

When I was into casting bullets, I was melting lead wheel weights a couple times a week and handling lead daily. I was tested and my levels were normal. I think you pretty much would have to eat lead to get into trouble.

 

[jds holler]

So -- I just built what ya might call a medium weight rifle, (ten pounds plus scope) and with no thought to where the balance point is. After seeing this thread, I had to see where it might balance. Well it's mid-point is EXACTLY at the recoil lug. Should I call this OK, and thank my lucky stars, or should I correct it for the 1" forward position? jd

 

[dkhunt14]

When I was into casting bullets, I was melting lead wheel weights a couple times a week and handling lead daily. I was tested and my levels were normal. I think you pretty much would have to eat lead to get into trouble.

You might just be lucky. I know a guy that works making Gatlin guns. From test firing into a bullet trap his lead levels were that high they put him in the hospital for a while. I forget the number he said but it was really high. Matt

 

[Kyle Schultz]

Lead poisoning is a real risk. Maybe 10 yrs ago I would occasionally shoot IDPA at an indoor range. The regulars would shoot once a week. They all had elevated lead levels in their blood and, as a result, the matches were moved outside.

 

[jds holler]

The risk from lead is real. I have been avidly casting and shooting bullets for about 45 years, many of which I didn't use adequate safety precautions or ventilation. I have now been informed that I'm going to die. As a matter of fact I have known several men who casted bullets who are now dead. My impending doom is somewhat troubling, however I'm going to bravely take it in stride. If the lord gives me enough time, I may be able to shoot the rest of my lead back into the earth before my mortal coil runs out. Please send prayers - and more lead if you have any. jd

 

[TRA]

Blood tests are only an indicator of your lead levels from everyday exposure. The real levels are the lead that has accumulated in your organs over time. That takes a biopsy to determine. It's sort of like radiation, the damage accumulates over time while your present levels may seem normal.

 

[jaybray]

Makes me want to remove it from my stock just because. When you think about it everyone knows lead is bad news. Tungsten probably a way better idea.

 

[TRA]

Makes me want to remove it from my stock just because. When you think about it everyone knows lead is bad news. Tungsten probably a way better idea.

That lead stays with you to the end. Inhaling it is what will do you in. You could use Gold.

 

[JRS]

Blood tests are only an indicator of your lead levels from everyday exposure. The real levels are the lead that has accumulated in your organs over time. That takes a biopsy to determine. It's sort of like radiation, the damage accumulates over time while your present levels may seem normal.

Get real

 

[TRA]

Get real

Get real about what?

 

[JRS]

Get real about what?

"It's sort of like radiation"

 

[TRA]

"It's sort of like radiation"

Real that again. It was just an analogy that both radiation and lead can irreparably damage your organs and not show up in blood tests. Getting confused when comprehension is required to understand, Eh?

 

[JRS]

Real that again. It was just an analogy that both radiation and lead can irreparably damage your organs and not show up in blood tests. Getting confused when comprehension is required to understand, Eh?

Radiation is not detected via blood testing, and would require a boatload to damage your organs. Try sticking to the thread.

 

[TRA]

Radiation is not detected via blood testing, and would require a boatload to damage your organs. Try sticking to the thread.

I was following the lead from all those discussing lead. You should stop trying to get a fight started. Seems y'all are off topic also.

 

[jds holler]

back to using lead weights for rifle balance -- It would be the cheapest, easiest, and absolutely safe to do. Lead is not the horrible boogey that you read about in reports that often cater to the anti-bullet movement. jd

 

[JRS]

Leadaphobics

 

[rardoin]

I would suggest finding broken carbide endmills from a machine shop. If you can find 3/4" end mills that are damaged beyond regrinding you could get them very cheap, if not free. A cut-off saw could remove the shank portions and give you some cheap, dense solid weights.

 

[johara1]

Cheap is melting lead in the garage, and poring into a mold takes about 10min. I'm 74 and been make cast bullets since I was 10, give me a break........ I have been exposed to a lot worse than lead, try the water at camp Lejeune. ... Jim

 

[FrankLD46]

Hey guys I have not been able to shoot free recoil on my newest 6br and tried everything in the book to make it happen and shoot accurately. I stumbled on an article on the daily bulletin and it made mention on how important rifle balance is. It stated that the gun should balance around an inch or so in front of the action. I tried mine and it balanced 6 inches in front of the action. No good. All I had on hand for a quick test was a unopened box of 107 match kings. One box should weigh around 1.5 pounds. I duct taped the whole box to the back of the recoil pad and that balanced the gun about 1 inch in front of the action. Well it worked. Free recoil now shoots tiny groups. From what I have read the best way to add weight to the butt is drill a couple holes under the recoil pad and use bird shot with epoxy? Would this be the best way??

thats what i did weighed shot first

 

[johara1]

the easiest way is to tape a small plastic sandwich bag on the side of your stock so you can add shot to it. balance point should be around 1.5 to 2" ahead of the front of the receiver add shot to the bag till you get, if you have the room and can just use the shot and epoxy fine. I melt it in a mold I made, because the weight is more compact and you get more towards the back near the butt plate...... Jim