Aluminum in case lead runs out?

[Certaindeaf]

So back on track. Yea, aluminum is quite light and problematic in many ways when it comes to crafting a slug. I don't even think about such things but I'll sure pop off some AL blazer.. especially if it's free (I reload).
Even with many popping out AL GC's out of pop cans, it still gives me the heebs as aluminum (well, everything) oxidizes and aluminum oxide is right around there in diamond hardness if I'm not mistaken.

 

[Rick4070]

And aluminum starts oxidizing immediately when bare metal is exposed....
I have always had the same opinion as yours about aluminum gas checks...

 

[AMProducts]

Ok, so after going through this thread let me pile on with a few things:

1) Aluminum is a crap material for making bullets out of, it's too light, and too expensive. Steel would be a much better material and has plenty of history as a bullet material during and after WW2 Look up "Eisenkern"

2) Battery lead, may have plenty of "lead" in it, but it's in the form of sulfides, sulfates, and oxides, it's as close to metallic lead as an aluminum oxide grinding wheel is to a chunk of aluminum bar stock.

3) High temperature casting of any metal will result in greater amounts of shrinkage, lead, tin, antimony, bismuth and alloys of these materials generally all melt below 600F, the shrinkage is controlled by either having oversized mold cavities, or by using antimony's expansion as it solidifies.

4) Lead and all commodities are at a very low price. I'm pretty sure you can call seafab and order a few tons of antimonial lead (6%) or no.2 alloy for probably $1-2/lb as pigs

 

[44mag2ndamend]

Aluminium is way to light. Start saving nickels. They are mostly copper and will make a better than lead projectile. They are also the only US coin that is worth its face value in metal.

Even the newer ones? I know pennies are Zinc now.

 

[Stomper]

And cost more than $.01 to mint!

 

[U201491]

Oh good lord, another created crisis shortage just like the 22 LR BS.
Unreal.............

 

[eliduc]

I have looked at swaging in the past and decided that the cost of equipment would be too great to recoup with my level of shooting. I have read all about using brass for jackets but while I can readily order and stockpile 55gr FMJ by the thousands it seems like 22LR brass is only slightly easier to locate than hen's teeth and costs just the same if I have to buy loaded 22LR.

Imagine you have no power, water, or gas and the sewer system is backing up into the street. You've got your hands full keeping warm and dry and maintaining a secure supply of food and fresh water. After a dinner of cat stew you're going to slip into the garage for a quiet evening of turning car batteries and 22LR brass into bullets that you could have purchased years ago for under $0.09 each? It never hurts to have the ability to swage bullets or reload in a SHTF situation, but what you really need is a good supply of ammo ready to go so that you can focus on staying alive.

If you make ammo out of car batteries you probably won't be able to remember you need to cut firewood. I can turn out 150 to 200 bullets an hour on my LCT at less cost than retail so why should I horde retail ammo? I like manufacturing my own ammo. If it's a chore and not a hobby you shouldn't be doing it.