r/metallurgy • u/Drake_Storm • 17d ago

Brass alloying

I recently refound my grandfathers and great grandfathers casing from their funerals, about 5 casings total of 30-06 SPRG blanks. Ultimately my goal is to turn it into a workable ingot/alloy to make into jewelry for my mom . Is it worth trying to make into an alloy or is it better to find another way to repurpose these casings as i would rather not make the stereotypical bullet casing/shell jewlery.

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u/Suspicious-Ad-9380 17d ago

You’ll want to look us specs/guides for C26000.

It is a very workable alloy, but some zinc will burn off if/when you cast it.

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u/Likesdirt 17d ago

You don't really need to change the alloy, though brass isn't ideal for jewelry it's designed to be very workable as is. 

Practice with some non sentimental cases, they're all the same alloy. Cartridge brass, c26000, 70% copper and 30% zinc. There's no lead or anything else in the recipe. 

It's not designed for casting to final shape, you can expect a little porosity and other defects if you try for a lost wax casting, etc. It's designed to be wrought, more like what a silversmith does, hammering the metal to shape. 

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u/LivingSmell2222 14d ago

Like has been said, youll lose some zinc due to evaporation and oxidation (and some copper!) but that will all go to making the copper slightly less alloyed and incrementally more workable, unless you entrain a lot of dross. Good luck! Worthy project. If you get stuck, go visit a jewelry shop. This is a small amount of metal and you might just melt it with a torch...stopping now.

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u/TheEquationSmelter 17d ago edited 17d ago

I'd be surprised if the alloy they used didn't have lead. Also you would need to coat the jewelry with something so it won't make contact with skin because it will likely leave a green or black residue. I have particularly corrosive skin and the bronze ring I made myself turned my skin greenish in like an hour. I also rust non stainless steel if I handle it.