What is the shot made of? I thought they had gone away from lead and use something else now. Weights will be in saltwater. Saltwater does fun stuff to some metals and metals near other metals.
Why are weights so expensive?
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What is the shot made of? I thought they had gone away from lead and use something else now. Weights will be in saltwater. Saltwater does fun stuff to some metals and metals near other metals.
Russoft
Contributor
This. I get all my dive gear HEAVILY discounted by buying off Craigslist. People often just want to get rid of it and will let it go for a fraction of the price.
If you're buying dive weights, there's got to be some diving within driving distance, no?
That's what I did. My local shotgun range sells reclaimed shot for $1/lb. Pouches are about $3 each. So $8 for a 5 lb soft weight. $4 for a 1lb etc.. I think dive shops tend to charge like 4 or 5 bucks a pound!
My pouches are about 5 years old now and I've not had any problems. The double velcro has held just fine.
I used the XS Scuba pouches. I don't remember where I got them, google shows this site selling them for $3 each. That's about what I remember paying: Discount Sports Gear - XS Scuba U-Fill Soft Weight Pouches
I did have to buy a small scale. I don't remember what I paid, and it's become a part of my kitchen equipment for measuring food.
I've done this, and the Craig's List route is easier and possibly cheaper. However, IF you're into DIY stuff, then read a bit, take the appropriate safety precautions and go for it. I agree pouring lead is "simple and fun and dangerous".
Rotometals regularly runs sales on reclaimed shot - I think I paid $65 for 60# (shipping included. I only wish I could have seen the face of the UPS driver who put it on the porch.) The shot is a little dirty and a bit oxidized, but cleans up well when you melt it. It is very satisfying to see that shiny silver liquid pour into the molds (think "Terminator 2").
myshadeofred
Contributor
When I lived in Hawaii we collected all the weights that fisherman lost. you can put them in little cloth bags and they work great. That might be an option.
Rred
Contributor
Used to be that you could get scrap lead wheel balancing weights for free from any tire shop. Now, most sell it to recyclers but you can always ASK. The weights are lead with "iron" clips on them, the clips will float up and can be skimmed off if you are melting it down. Melting & casting lead is easy, a propane or map torch and a stainless saucepan are all you need--but you want to be upstream of the pot in a well ventilated area, lead fumes are not good.
Or you can even buy lead shot on Amazon if there's no hunting shop near you. Oddly enough, including shipping, well cheaper than "diving" shot bags. You don't need mesh, you can use any heavy nylon or Cordura cloth from a remnant store, or a thrift store winter jacket. (Sleeves make good pouches, cut to length as needed.)
Or you can even buy lead shot on Amazon if there's no hunting shop near you. Oddly enough, including shipping, well cheaper than "diving" shot bags. You don't need mesh, you can use any heavy nylon or Cordura cloth from a remnant store, or a thrift store winter jacket. (Sleeves make good pouches, cut to length as needed.)
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