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Can a lead bullet actually shoot as well as a FMJ? Really?

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I have been working on recipes using 5 different bullets, 2 different powders, a little variation in OAL (altho I "plunked my barrel" and try to stay with that).
I have found a couple "pretty good" combinations for cast bullets but they just do not compare to the accuracy of the FMJ. To me, it's becoming self evident. I guess it could be that my gun doesn't care for lead (P-99, it has hands and grooves) but it's hard to tell since that is the only 9mm I own.
I can give you the bullets names and powders, etc., but I gleaned the best info I could, for what I use, from you guys here. So I'd really just like to know if you think it can be done? Or is it just a rare exception that someone can find an "as good" or "better" combo using lead?
I'm OK with it if that is the case, and altho I am really enjoying this adventure, I'd like to know if the odds are stacked against me.
Your thoughts?
Thanx.
 
Yes, if you've got it right a lead slug, especially out of a handgun will be as accurate as jacketed. Think bullseye shooting with .38 (WC) and or .45acp (LSWC).. about less than 2" at fifty yards accurate. Have you slugged your barrel? How hard is your lead?
 
I'm withe Mike27 on this one. I actually have some lead loads that are somewhat better than jacketed loads for my handguns insofar as accuracy and can be driven faster than jacket bullets as well due to their lower pressure characteristics. Proper bullet sizing to your bore is critical for good accuracy and reduced leading and to use alloys that are still soft enough to allow good obturation of the bullet to insure a good seal in the bore of your firearm. If you havent slugged the bore as of yet on your pistol to determine the correct bullet diameter then you need to start there . Not sure what tips you have already picked up from others so an touching on the key basics of good cast bullet shooting. Hope this helps.


10 Spot
 
I will have to agree with the above. My 1911's, and XDm45 are all more accurate with lead, than FMJ or plated.
 
I'd have to say that it depends on the gun, the caliber, and a few other variables. But people don't win matches with .38 lead wadcutters just by luck.
 
Lead can be trickier than jacketed. For example if your bore has copper fouling that can screw up lead slugs. And different types of rifling may not always work well with lead esp if you are getting gaps in the grooves because the lead isn't filling them properly. So you have to watch your diameter. Sometimes you need to get a slightly wider bullet. The right lube is an issue as well. There are also a lot of variables involved depending on the hardness of the lead. And your velocity is more limited.

So you basically have to experiment with an array of loads. But when it works, it works really well.
 
I think many bullseye match shooters use lead bullets ... ;):D

Although I have used Montana Gold FMJ/JHP as my primary match bullets over the years, I have gotten very good accuracy with certain lead loads (accurate enough for me to consider running them in USPSA match with). Of course, the bullet/barrel/powder/charge/OAL used will determine how accurate your loads can be.

YMMV
 
I think you'll find that lead will be more accurate in .38, .45 ACP, even .44 mag with the right hard cast bullets.
 
The reality is that in cartridges that are well suited to cast bullets (most cartridges), lead bullets are better than jacketed in every way. Of course you have to be realistic with velocity and it really isn't ideal or practical for some high powered rifle and magnum rifle cartridges.

And there are a lot more variables involved with getting cast bullets to shoot well in your gun. bullet design, diameter, lube, alloy. Its pretty much impossible to make factory lead ammo that works well in all guns, that's why almost no manufacturers do it.
 
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I pour my own bullets for my hand guns using Lee molds and do not have any trouble with them. Wheel weight and add some tin. My 38 357 and 44 use a gas check. Got the Lee molds that call for the gas checks.
 
FMJs tend to be less a accurate. Open or soft point tend to be better. Each bullet and gun is a case of its own. I have a 375 Ruger that loaded with an oversized, un sized cast lead bullet rubbed with Lee lube and powered with an obsolete shotshell powder will group under 1MOA off a bench at 100m. I cant say I can duplicate this with any other cast loads, but this one just fell together. OTOH a good match bullet can stay under an 1" at 400m
 
Cast VS Jacketed

If you compare the best of cast to the best of jacketed bullet. Jacketed will win every time. The simple fact that cast can be hiding an air bubble, this bubble will make a flyer. The only way to avoid the hidden bubble is weighing each & every bullet. When i work up a load with a new bullet mold, the weight of each bullet is checked. :)
 
Cast your own bullets to the specs that your firearm needs and you will have an extremely accurate round. Cast bullets have been shot over 2500 fps. So how much velocity do you really need?


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Of course you have to be realistic with velocity
Click to expand...

I shoot plain based lead bullets in 45 colt to well over 1500fps. No issues at that speed.

If you compare the best of cast to the best of jacketed bullet. Jacketed will win every time. The simple fact that cast can be hiding an air bubble, this bubble will make a flyer. The only way to avoid the hidden bubble is weighing each & every bullet. When i work up a load with a new bullet mold, the weight of each bullet is checked.
Click to expand...

I would have to respectfully disagree. I still feel that quality lead bullets are better than quality jacketed.
 
10 Spot Terminator said:
I'm withe Mike27 on this one. I actually have some lead loads that are somewhat better than jacketed loads for my handguns insofar as accuracy and can be driven faster than jacket bullets as well due to their lower pressure characteristics. Proper bullet sizing to your bore is critical for good accuracy and reduced leading and to use alloys that are still soft enough to allow good obturation of the bullet to insure a good seal in the bore of your firearm. If you havent slugged the bore as of yet on your pistol to determine the correct bullet diameter then you need to start there . Not sure what tips you have already picked up from others so an touching on the key basics of good cast bullet shooting. Hope this helps.


10 Spot
Click to expand...
He hit the nail on the head. Properly sized bullets do a better job of engaging the rifling as they proceed down the barrel. I've often had better results from leadcast bullets for this reason.
 
I have found that cast boolits are generally more accurate, once you find the correct size. My .45 Colt does better with lead, and my .40 doesn't do too shabby either.
 
The flaws that can potentially exist in a cast bullet, can also exist in a jacketed bullet, and will cause flyers all the same.

I've yet to find any load that beats my 240 grain cast semi wadcutters for my 44mag. As an added bonus, they're crazy cheap compared to any jacketed bullet.
 
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