The Armour Archive

Wondering if this alloy has any concern with turning into a ball stake.

Mostly is it hard enuff not to deform with use and is the lead content anything I need to avoid with hot work.

I'd say no. It appears to be cold rolled mild steel with the addition of lead.

http://speedymetals.com/information/material38.html
Cold roll is a resulphurized, rephosphorized screw machine stock with the addition of lead. This addition of lead, plus the high sulphur and phosphorous levels, form lubricating effects resulting in extremely fast machining rates. 12L14 gives a smooth, machined surface and because of its low friction component allows for increased tool life. 12L14 is commonly referred to by the trade name Ledloy™.

Fairly soft.
resulphurized, rephosphorized: lets see sulfur makes steel hot short and phosphorous makes it cold short. May not forge well depending on how much of each is in it.

Any other choices? 4340 would be nice...

Ok sounds like it may work for a dishing form but its to soft for a stake.
thanks