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45acp bullets
- Thread starter Pat C
- Start date
I'm concerned about lead fouling in the bore.
A viable concern.
45 ACP is probably the most lead-friendly chambering. One of my 1911's gets a diet of nothing but these: http://missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=56&category=5&secondary=13&keywords=
After a 150 - 250 round shooting session, there's some lead collected at breech, but it cleans out with just a few scrubs with the copper brush and solvent. Dealing with lead in a bore is a pain, and I detest it more than most folks. But what I'm talking about here is minimal and hardly even an issue at all.
And I'll say it again: For accuracy, nothing beats your basic lead slug.
In my post you will notice I said "(with the exception of swaged)" and the Hornady bullets you mentioned are swaged http://www.hornady.com/store/45-Cal-.452-200-gr-SWC/Mikld,
The Hornady 200 gr LSWC and thr LSWC C/T do not have the traditional "grooves". They are lubricated with Lubralox. Nor do they have crimp rings.
Normally i carry 185gr. HP But sometimes i'll carry with 200gr. LSWC with velocity around 900 fps.
I did err saying all cast bullets have crimping grooves as I guess I forgot about my 45 ACPs and 9mms (even thought my favorite 9mm bullet has a crimp groove).
I address my answers to new users/reloaders in the simplest most basic way I can and still be accurate. Many times a new reloader/caster's questions are answered with advanced methods and theories which only confuses the issue and the new reloader. And it's not advisable to use "absolutes" (none, never, all, etc.) as someone will point out the "mistake" no matter how petty or inconsequential it is...
"...There are also swaged lead bullets..." Swaged bullets are pure lead that are literally formed out of lead wire by squeezing 'em into shape. Usually not lubed with anything like the waxy lube found on cast bullets. They're not driven fast enough to cause leading either. Usually match grade bullets.
"...grooved bullet..." Cast or jacketed that has a crimp groove made for use in revolvers and lever actions. A non-grooved is the same but includes plated bullets without a crimp groove for use in cartridges the headspace on the case mouth used in pistols mostly. This is what your .45 needs. Partial to 230 grain RN's or FP(flat points) myself.
.45 ACP bullets don't need a crimp groove. Taper crimping doesn't need one.
"...grooved bullet..." Cast or jacketed that has a crimp groove made for use in revolvers and lever actions. A non-grooved is the same but includes plated bullets without a crimp groove for use in cartridges the headspace on the case mouth used in pistols mostly. This is what your .45 needs. Partial to 230 grain RN's or FP(flat points) myself.
.45 ACP bullets don't need a crimp groove. Taper crimping doesn't need one.
Oh, the life of Old Wives' Tales:
Tired of always hearing that swaged bullets were almost pure lead, I decided to contact the bullet companies I know that made swaged lead bullets.
Magnus uses 97/3 alloy for 650-800 fps. This alloy is BHN 11. Note: This is hard enough in real life for .44 magnum, as Keith used 10 BHN for all his shooting, but the lube is probably the limiting factor.
Precision Bullets uses 92/6/2 and reports the bore-riding surfaces are 13-14 BHN. They also restrike after the coating process.
Hornady reports 95/5, for 13 BHN.
Zero uses 97/3, also, for BHN of 11
Speer reports it is proprietary, and they “have a max velocity of 1100 fps.”
Most use a wax emulsion for lube. Some, in their target/match grade, use a band of carnauba wax lube.
I can shoot the Hornady 140gn .38 Cowboy swaged lead bullets in my .38 supers at 180 power factor without leading.
If there was a need, commercial manufacturers can make swaged bullets with type metal. Company I worked for swaged pure copper. Amazing what enough pressure can do.
Tired of always hearing that swaged bullets were almost pure lead, I decided to contact the bullet companies I know that made swaged lead bullets.
Magnus uses 97/3 alloy for 650-800 fps. This alloy is BHN 11. Note: This is hard enough in real life for .44 magnum, as Keith used 10 BHN for all his shooting, but the lube is probably the limiting factor.
Precision Bullets uses 92/6/2 and reports the bore-riding surfaces are 13-14 BHN. They also restrike after the coating process.
Hornady reports 95/5, for 13 BHN.
Zero uses 97/3, also, for BHN of 11
Speer reports it is proprietary, and they “have a max velocity of 1100 fps.”
Most use a wax emulsion for lube. Some, in their target/match grade, use a band of carnauba wax lube.
I can shoot the Hornady 140gn .38 Cowboy swaged lead bullets in my .38 supers at 180 power factor without leading.
If there was a need, commercial manufacturers can make swaged bullets with type metal. Company I worked for swaged pure copper. Amazing what enough pressure can do.
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