The only bullet weights I can find locally are uber expensive tungsten, lead, and unpainted steel. I'm not buying tungsten since I'm not made of money. I'm shying away from lead for environmental reasons. This leaves me with steel. Is is worth taking the time to paint them to prevent rust? What's the best way to store these. I try to store all of my terminal tackle in the same box but I don't want everything in the box to start rusting.

Brass is another option

Most 'steel' bullet weights that are out there are usually a stainless or a form of stainless, so I don't know that you'd have a problem with rust. I might paint them for visibility or bait-matching (if that matters to you).

I didn't like the cost of tungsten at first either, however I did make the switch last year and it is truly night and day in terms of sensitivity. I was extremely nervous at first about losing them, but I just made a conscious effort to tie strong knots and to put everything back when I took the rigs off. I think I only bought 6 for the season, and can still account for them now. Just my 2C.

 

Top Brass precision bullet weights, black, 3/16 oz 7 pkg is $4, not cheap but worth the cost.

I use brass & glass T- rigs as a standard set up. Same feed back as tongsten, no sharp edges and environmental safe everywhere.

Tom

As others have said if you don't want tungsten,  brass is an option..But if you're intent on useing steel (if you can find them) and want to paint them,  use finger nail polish with a tiny amount of paint hardener mixed in to help prevent chipping....It works

 

Mike