Lead Test Targets

[GB_Amateur]

I had a couple lead test targets for calibrating in the field but lost them on my last Western expedition.  This is the main reason I don't use gold test targets!  I'm ready to make a new set.  I'd like to hear your advice on what size and shape of lead I should be using, for both LF and PI detectors.

 

[tboykin]

I use fishing sinkers pounded flat to simulate placer gold.

Bringing gold back to the goldfields is bad luck, it seems to want to get back in the dirt one way or another!

[geof_junk]

As above and add molten lead that has been dropped on course sand and cut them in different sizes to simulate reef gold.  Just remember lead that has been in the ground a long long time gets an oxide on it,

[Glenn in CO]

The area we hunt tailing piles in Colorado has its fair share of tiny bird shot. Usually find a half dozen or more each trip. They sound just like the type of gold we are looking for.

[fredmason]

When I started trying to find nuggets with a detector about 1980, I needed a test nugget. So I glued a half gram bit to a nice white pice of river run quartz....

laid it down, gold. Side down, of course ...got distracted by something.."

never did find that gold. I wonder if someone else did....

bird shot will work for the small test piece 

fred

[Lacky]

I never find gold (so far) but I assume if I am digging lead shot down to size 8 it isn't a talent problem with the detecting.  Its actually kind of comforting digging tiny bits of lead.