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Lead Bullets vs Plated
- Thread starter Anth
- Start date
Real Gun,
I didn't say it was you, it is probably your guns. I've had revolvers that wouldn't shoot anything, nada, nothing. 2 in particular had oversize chambers. Neither was accurate no matter what. Best not assume anything.
When someone reports a problem, I don't see it as useful for someone to jump in and post that they have no problem...no context, no specifics, no empathy, no suggestions, I suppose just the implication that their nonsense meter is in the red. I guess it's one of those "how nice for you" things.
90% of what I shoot are bullets that I cast. About every handgun size except .25,.32,.41Rem.Mag(no longer). Including 9mm Mak. No problems at all and excellent accuracy when properly sized. A correctly sized and properly lubed bullet and there will be no leading or gas cutting. For higher velocities .357 and 10mm, I use a harder 14-16 BHN alloy or coated. Highest velocity and that's the last 10%, which are plated and jacketed. Best wishes
Lead bullets will make your barrel last a LOT longer then jacketed.
That said... Coated Lead bullets limit fouling and drastically cut back on burnt lead smoke from firing.
I strongly suggest you use Coated Lead Bullets.... far more pleasant to shoot, and , frankly, better for you.
Breathing lead "smoke" is an avoidable situation. So why Not.
That said... Coated Lead bullets limit fouling and drastically cut back on burnt lead smoke from firing.
I strongly suggest you use Coated Lead Bullets.... far more pleasant to shoot, and , frankly, better for you.
Breathing lead "smoke" is an avoidable situation. So why Not.
ammo.crafter
New member
leading
Research BHN vis-a-vis velocity for your answer.
Research BHN vis-a-vis velocity for your answer.
walnut1704
New member
I shoot nothing but lead in my Gold Match II. Not a problem. Being a bit fatter you do need to be sure they chamber.
After trying plated bullets I've completely lead bullets and dont ever plan to go back. Sure, lead is a bit cheaper but eliminating all the fouling issues and cleaning chore I had has made me a happy camper. I'm not saying everyone should give up on lead, but plated bullets work so much better for me. Personally, I've never experienced any of the negatives people sometimes mention regarding plated bullets, and would even say that most of it is far exaggerated. The plating is very tough and despite what some claim, is very hard to damage with a crimping die. I have some fired plated bullets I've recovered that dont even show lead after impacting wood. I shoot outside so never worried about lead vapor from the base of a fired bullet, but with plated it's even less of a concern so that's even a plus in my book.
I am going to try more plated bullets for guns too tight for good results with lead of any hardness or size. The size of plated bullets, like jacketed, is also more compatible with most die sets, which clearly anticipate the smaller diameter.
First though I need to do more with matching hardness level with the velocity I am achieving. Plated are more expensive, and I am not equipped to make my own plated. I don't cast lead either, but have everything I would need if unable to buy bullets.
First though I need to do more with matching hardness level with the velocity I am achieving. Plated are more expensive, and I am not equipped to make my own plated. I don't cast lead either, but have everything I would need if unable to buy bullets.
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There is also a good video on YouTube by jr10 titled "To crimp or not to crimp, that is the question." He is mainly discussing crimping effects on .45 auto he does discuss lead vs copper plated vs copper jacketed. It is worth a watching especially if you are just starting out loading .45 loads.