After spending some time casting bullets I figured I would cast some jig heads.  I keep reading how much better tungsten is than lead.  I wonder if harder lead would be more sensitive than the really soft stuff.  It would be more expensive but nothing in comparison to tungsten.  Anyone ever test this.

You can double the hardness of lead by adding tin and antimony.

The only issue how well it pours and fills the jig molds. Everything needs to increase in temperature and you may get oxides as a result.  

Nearly everyone powder coats the jig heads that has a harder surface then lead. I like to paint my jig heads with Testors model enamel because it's softer and doesn't chip off like powder coating.

Tom

4 hours ago, WRB said:

You can double the hardness of lead by adding tin and antimony.

The only issue how well it pours and fills the jig molds. Everything needs to increase in temperature and you may get oxides as a result.  

Nearly everyone powder coats the jig heads that has a harder surface then lead. I like to paint my jig heads with Testors model enamel because it's softer and doesn't chip off like powder coating.

Tom

If using superhard and quenching you can get a lot harder.  There are also oven tricks to go to the next level.  I might give it a try but I had not considered coating effects.  Maybe testing raw would give better test results 

Be careful with annealing hook points when heat treating, they have very thin pointed tips. My suggestion is a hard jig head doesn't mater as much as hard sliding bullet weights. Sharp premium hooks are critical, put your efforts in the hooks.

Buy a few tungsten jigs of different weights and try them out V's lead jigs the same weight and determine if you feel any difference.

Tom

Spincast heads are made of hard lead but honestly I doubt you can feel any difference.

 

Allen 

On 5/20/2020 at 6:29 PM, WRB said:

You can double the hardness of lead by adding tin and antimony.

The only issue how well it pours and fills the jig molds. Everything needs to increase in temperature and you may get oxides as a result.  

Nearly everyone powder coats the jig heads that has a harder surface then lead. I like to paint my jig heads with Testors model enamel because it's softer and doesn't chip off like powder coating.

Tom

I have yet to find a better jig head paint than cheap nail polish from the dollar store.

17 hours ago, Elkins45 said:

I have yet to find a better jig head paint than cheap nail polish from the dollar store.

 

Even cheaper and nearly indestructible is the trusty 'Unpainted' jighead  

 

Roger

I have used a lot of different hardnesses of lead.  Printer’s lead is one of my favorites.  I have never been able to tell any difference in feel.  The difference is in durability.  Most of my lead contains antimony and is a lot harder than plumbers lead.  It is harder to pour than soft lead but Frankfort Arsenal Drop Out spray solved that issue.