LEE makes a pretty accurate and affordable hardness tester. I have one and use it regularly. There are other more expensive ones but they all push a pointer into the bullet under a known spring pressure and you either measure the indentation or the spring loaded arm gives you an indication. The LEE requires a flat spot to measure using the provided loupe so on end of bullet or file a small flat and sacrifice one. The use of this has helped me avoid mistakes with unknown alloy. For accuracy, bullets don't need to be real hard to shoot well, especially plain base. I usually aim for 11-13 bhn for lower pressure or velocity around 1000fps. Don't shoot a lot of rifle stuff like .308 yet, but they need to be harder and usually want a gas check. I have also started powder coating and it is easy and the results are great. No fouling at higher velocity up to 2500fps easy. I use the shake and bake method. Look it up on google or ping me.
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