The pike just really like 'shiny' and new unpainted Tungsten is usually really shiny!! Maybe I should try to paint them?? I have actually never tried to powder coat them... wonder if that works? Maybe a project for the weekend? But... I think the shiny sometimes attracts more bass too though, so I'm torn...?? Maybe I need to do some more experimenting at my 'test' lake (Round)? Yesterday I found that the bass seemed to like bigger red sinkers about as much as they like smaller silver sinkers.
As far as size, the Tungsten bullet sinkers I usually get are quite a bit smaller for the same size than the lead versions... maybe half the size or even a little smaller say for the 1/4 oz Tungsten to the 1/4 oz lead. They come through the weeds even easier being much smaller. And yes, the hardness is real nice for feel! Might be my favorite part of the difference. Maybe you have heavier lead??

I have not ever tried pouring with 'hard' lead... what exactly is that?? I know you can get lead from sources (like tire weights) that have more of other metals in them like tin, but I haven't actually heard or seen the phrase 'hard' lead. I imagine whatever it is it would need to be heated to a much higher temp? I do like to learn new things so please share whatever you can and are willing??