Lead Ammo thru 1911???

D

Duke1977

Inactive
Hey boys I have never cast bullets before, but it's something I'm interested in and have most of the equipment to do. I have wondered about success shooting cast lead bullets thru my Kimber and Colt 1911's. What are your thoughts?
 
By all means cast lead bullets for the .45 ACPs. But before investing in what can be rather expensive for first class equipment, purchase some online if necessary. There are many sources. My favorite for both handgun and rifle is Montana Bullet Works. Suggest starting with a semi-wadcutter design around 200 gr weight. Sizing is available from .451 to .453 from most sources with .452 probably being used more often. Gas checks are normally not used with handgun bullets. Getting set up first class for bullet casting is a completely different game. Also consider your local source for scrap lead, wheel weights are commonly used but OSHA has kind of put a damper on tire shops selling those. Start by acquiring some commercial bullets.
 
I have shot thousands of lead bullets through my Kimber Custom Classic. Your only real decision is what type of bullet and what powder. My experience with Bullseye has been outstanding in my 45 ACP's, I am using 200 LSWC and 4.0 grains Bullseye as my 50 yard NRA Bullseye load. That load shoots exceptionally well in a wide variety of 45's. I like my 230's to be just at 800 fps, and 4.5 grains Bullseye with a 230 LRN will accomplish that. I put in a Unique load that is around that velocity.

I do finish my shooting sessions by firing 230 FMJ's to remove any leading that I might have. I get a little lead just in front of the chamber and a magazine or two of jacketed bullets will clean it out.

I do not cast my lead bullets, but purchase bullets from a local caster in bulk. I have cast Minie balls and found that casting is a lot of work. You do have to size and lube the stuff. If you can find local cast bullets at a reasonable price, I recommend going that route.

Code: 
[SIZE="3"][B]
Kimber Custom Classic M1911[/B]



200 LSWC 4.0 grs Bullseye Mixed cases WLP 		
21-Jun-06 T = 97 °F
		
Ave Vel =748.2		
Std Dev =10.86			
ES =	41.52			
High =   	763.2			
Low =	721.7			
N =	22	
		
Mild recoil, very accurate, excellent target load. 

		
230 gr LRN  4.5 grs Bullseye Mixed Brass WLP OAL 1.250" taper crimp .469"
	
21-Jun-06 T = 97  °F
		
Ave Vel = 805.2		
Std Dev =11.4		
ES=54.08		
High=836.9		 
Low=782.8		 
N =32

230 gr FMJ (R-P) 5.0 grs Bullseye 99' & 2005 mixed lot Mixed Brass WLP (brass) OAL 1.265" taper crimp .469"

12-Dec-11 T= 53  °F			
					
Ave Vel =793.5				
Std Dev =18.92				
ES =	61.99				
High = 	817.4				
Low =	755.4				
N =	16

	
230 LRN 5.5 grs Unique lot UN331 1989 Mixed brass WLP (brass)
OAL 1.250" taper crimped 0.469"
	
16-May-09	 high 83  °F
		
Ave Vel =827.4				
Std Dev =17.63	 	 		 
ES =	85.68				
High = 	871.6				
Low =	785.9				
N =	31				
		[/SIZE]


 
I shoot mostly lead boolits through my 1911s; I've had good success with the Lee 230TL designs - the round nose design definitely feeds better in the older GI Colts for me, I first tried the cone shaped and they did not feed as reliably in those but either shape works well in the modern ones I have tried them in. I don't size them, just load 'em up after a couple weeks curing time and a very light tumble lubing. No trouble with leading whatsoever, I use a fairly soft alloy (generally half clip on WWs and half range scrap) and seat with just a fingernail width of the top band showing above the case. Just enough crimp to remove case flare.
 
Or, as a solution to leading and accuracy, spend $40 and powdercoat your bullets.

$30 toaster oven
$5 Harbor Freight red powder
$2.50 nitrile gloves
$1.50 #5 plastic tubs
$1 parchment paper

Slick feeding, no leading, great accuracy, no lube smoke. Plus you can use pure lead instead of scarce wheelweights.

 
I have a Springfield 1911 A1 Mil Spec that has seen probably 6,000 rounds since I've had it, and probably 5,900 of them have been cast handloads. No muss, no fuss, not even when I touched off a double-charge of WW 231 in it.

Trashed the magazine, but didn't hurt the gun.
 
Thanks for the input, I'll have to get shooting some lead, I like the idea of using fmj's to help clean the lead from the bore.
 
"I bet that got your attention! Whew."

Just a little bit.

Got the attention of the staff at the NRA range, too.

FYI, this is what happens when you run 9.8 grains of WW 231 behind a 230-gr. lead bullet...

46324821.jpg


46324837.jpg


Yes, the primer pocket and flash hole are now egg shaped.

And the case mouth has a roller coaster effect (very uneven) that I couldn't quite capture with the camera.
 
Using fmj's to help clean the lead is a myth.
Been shooting nothing but cast bullets out of my Colt since forever.
"...a solution to leading and accuracy..." Painting your bullets does nothing for accuracy.
 
I shoot Lyman 452488 cast SWC. Mine drop consistently at 202gr. I do not own any Kimbers but these shoot dependably through all my .45acp including three model 1911's.
 
Lead works great in .45ACP. I powder coat my bullets because I did have some leading using 230 grn. Lee tumble lube bullets.

Powder coating is a little more time consuming but it's worth it.
 
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