Would 6mm (approx 1/4") copper BBs work as media for my ball mill? I know large ball bearings are best, and i have enough for one barrel. However, the place where i got them closed down, and i need to fill the second barrel of my mill with media. Its also exceptionally hard to find large bearings for cheap where i live. So would the 1/4" ones work, and if not, what is a good cheap alternative?

Not heavy enough. Can you get shot or bullets?

yeah copper is really no good your best bet is lead shot there are multiple sources the best ones being in gun shops look for 54cal. lead shot also try fishing stores they sell them as split shot .. look for some larger ones if not they should have round sinkers with copper things to tie to i usally just cut them of melt them out or what have you and then file down :) hope that helps :)

You can 000 buck in huge bags for like $30, thats .35'' lead balls. You can get .54'' for muzzle loaders for a bit more.

Try midwayusa.com.

I believe you can use large marbles, but sometimes they leave a bit of residue.

Yea, I live in Canada, and ammunition laws are strict here. i will try a store on the weekend, I think they have lead shot but im not sure. you say Marbles? Would glass marbles work, even with residue? I'm not milling shit like magnesium, mostly KNO3 and Charcoal.

Ummmm no .. i will not explain just simple don't

were in canada are you ? im in edmonton and trust me it is not illegal because your not buying actualy live rounds your just buying lead musket balls there is not actual explosive compund to it ...

I use steel slingshot ammo for non-ignitable components (aluminum). About 5/8" diameter, yours in boxes of 50 for not much from your local Wal Mart.

Ummmm no .. i will not explain just simple don't

Thanks, thats very useful of you.

WHY the fuck can't you use glass marbles?

If you're mixing something like black powder -- which can be set off by a spark -- you need to use non-sparking lead media. You can get lead shot in a good hunting store. :p

I've never in my life seen a glass marble spark.

Obviously you've never experienced the famous sparking glass marble tournaments in the southern U.S. ;-p

Seriously, I'm pretty sure that glass is too frangible to use in a ball mill. The continued impact will probably reduce them to a shadow of their former selves.

Also glass dust creates dangerous friction which can set off flash powder.

i see, thanks for all the input, as I said, ill go to the store tomorrow. warweed, im from ottawa, and its a goddamn village cant get anything here. ill go to canadian tire or somethin, maybe they have some shit.

Obviously you've never experienced the famous sparking glass marble tournaments in the southern U.S. ;-p

Seriously, I'm pretty sure that glass is too frangible to use in a ball mill. The continued impact will probably reduce them to a shadow of their former selves.

People typically use lead, isn't glass stronger than lead?

People typically use lead, isn't glass stronger than lead?

But glass is not malleable so, thus it would break/chip.

Obviously you've never experienced the famous sparking glass marble tournaments in the southern U.S. ;-p

Seriously, I'm pretty sure that glass is too frangible to use in a ball mill. The continued impact will probably reduce them to a shadow of their former selves.

On the flip side, letting the marbles grind themselves into dust is a good way to generate top class itching powder.

I have one singe glass marble ~3/4'' in my ball mill and it hasn't been scratched by the thirty 1/2'' lead musket balls that are in there too...it looks a bit beaten up but there are definitely no chips or anything taken off it.

Grind up some glass marbles and hook up a tank of it to a respirator. You will get superhuman powers.

You can buy blocks of lead very cheaply at diving shops or junk yards. It's easy enough to cast if you can find a spherical mold. Any ideas?

Bullet moulds are cheap and relatively easy to find at Cabelas, etc. However, lead balls and shot tend to be located right next to them on the shelf... Why not cut out the middleman?

If you live in an area where firearm related goodies like this are outlawed, start thinking large ball bearings, slingshot ammo, balls from amusement machines (pinball, pachinko...), and so forth. If all else fails, order from overseas via the internet.

I can't imagine customs in any country would be able to figure out any reason why you couldn't order a box full of inert steel balls.

yea i suppose. but theoretically, if i dont mind chipping and such, glass marbles should work?

I was thinking of flint chunks and steel BB's in my ball mill. Is this safe? I was going to use it for flash powder.

DUH!?!?

DUH!?!?

Is that a yes? I'll, assume so, Thanks for the confirmation! I've been wanting to make flash powder for a while now.

yes it should work quite well flint

I've heard of using lead from tire balancing weights. Cheap as free.

how big should the balls be anyway? bigger the better? smaller the better? a variety of small and big is best?

also how much should you fill your canister up? does it even matter?

I've heard half-full works well.

All it takes to cast lead milling media is a propane stove, a soup can, pliers or fireplace tongs to grip the hot can, lead, a plank of wood that you can drill tons of about 3/4" x 3/4" holes in, and the lead itself. Oh and the propane. Maybe matches.

I seem to recall someones mill blowing up when they used marbles... YMMV... If you have the means to make or get proper media do so.

That is shortly after your lungs fill with blood.

That is shortly after your lungs fill with blood.

That's only a sign you've done it right.