BHN 10 seems to work at 1400 fps and 28,000 psi when powder coated

[JimGnitecki]

I am posting this in case it might help anyone who is trying to make a relatively soft cast lead bullet work at more than just low velocities and pressures.

I am currently successfully testing the following:

- a 499g cast lead 45-70 bullet sized to .4595" (actual digital micrometer reading average from a Lee .460 sizing insert), in a Pedersoli barrel that my gunsmith has measured to be .4563".

- Bullets were Lee tested to have a BHN = 10

- powder coated (no other lubricant used) with Eastwood Gloss Black powder

- with a muzzle velocity of almost 1400 fps (1348 and 1371 fps averages from 2 different range sessions)

- with a powder load that the load tables say is creating 28,000 psi

I see no evidence of leading when I clean the bore.

The bore remains remarkably clean and cleans up very easily with just a few patches wetted with M-Pro 7.

Maybe I just got lucky, but it APPEARS that powder coating can make a low BHN bullet not only survive, but shoot well and clean up easily.

Jim G

 

[edwardware]

Maybe I just got lucky, but it APPEARS that powder coating can make a low BHN bullet not only survive, but shoot well and clean up easily.

Not lucky, and that (increasing the velocity envelope at a given BHN) is the second most common reason to PC.

Most common in is. . . it's easier than grease.

 

[Chief TC]

If it is coated properly then you should NOT experience leading using smokeless powder at that velocity regardless of BHN. I use soft and hard cast bullets that are coated and have had no problem.