Hi-Tek

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wizard1911

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I've been reloading 45 acp with 185g JHP from Magnus. To reduce costs, I am considering trying the 185g coated SWC from Missouri, Bayou or SNS casting. Does anyone have any recent experience with the 45 ACP coated bullets or with any of the suppliers mentioned?
 
I have been shooting the Missouri coated bullets, and I can see why coating is replacing lube bands.
 
I'll give a thumbs up to SNS Casting. They have only recently been selling coated bullets but I have shot several thousand through my .40s and will continue to do so. Their coatings are nicely applied,the bullets weigh reasonably close to the claimed weight and the gun barrels clean up like they were chromed. The only downside is some people claim the coating smells bad when you shoot it but I use an indoor range a lot and I don't notice. SNS is a family outfit and I like dealing with them. I have used MBC bullets and they are fine but they have just started with the coated bullets so I haven't tried any. I have bought and handled my last raw lead projectile. I will gladly pay the small premium for coated-it's well worth it.
 
I quite like the hi-tek coated bullets from Missouri bullet company. Actually I even tried their 30-30 bullets on 30-06. At the beginning I loaded too fast, more than 2000fps, it did smell like burnt plastic and the bullets disintegrated. They worked fine when I dropped the speed to 1700fps.

I have been shooting copper plated bullets. Hi-tek coated bullets seem to have much less friction than plated or jacketed bullets. Much higher speed with the same bullet weight and powder charge, though not as slick as lubed cast bullets. I am switching to hi-tek coated while I am using up my plated stash.

-TL
 
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Haven't tried anything in 45 Auto but I have loaded around 1K MO Bullet Co 9mm 125 grain SWC HiTek coated bullets. Tested over Unique, W-231 and AutoComp powder and got good groups with each. Appeared to be less leading in rifled pistol barrel after using in a few IDPA matches. I intend to try the 45 Auto next time I order bullets.
 
Nothing against coated bullets; and I'm sure all the brands mentioned are just fine. But my question is: Why not just shoot lead slugs for your 45 ACP?

45 ACP is one of those chamberings that is really well suited for straight lead. I mean, we all load to suit ourselves of course; that's the beauty of it all. But I'm not seeing the reason for using coated bullets here. Just my two pennies.
 
Coating reduces firer's exposure to lead. It has little or no smoke, as it doesn't have lube. It practically eliminates leading, hence I may be able to push the bullet to higher speed, if I want to. For a penny more, I'd say why not.

-TL
 
I began shooting coated bullets for less smoke in my game guns as it reduced the smoke that wax lubed cast bullets have and cost less than plated.
 
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