Cast Bullet Barrel Leading Problem Over Exaggerated

[bluetopper]

I've been shooting cast handgun bullets for years and years, mostly mail ordered commercial but some home cast as well and I NEVER have experienced a barrel leading problem. I've never slugged a barrel in my life and don't plan to start. I've shot thousands of cast bullets in the calibers of 38Spl, 357 Mag, 9mm, 44 Mag, 45acp, 500 S&W, 7TCU through various guns and various power levels. My barrels always stay shiny clean. I do make sure the bullets are sized one thousandth over jacketed bullet size, that's all the precaution I take.

For years I've read on internet forums about all the little tweaks you have to do to keep from leading your barrels up if you shoot cast bullets. I feel this has made lots of people shy away from shooting cheaper cast bullets vs jacketed ones.

Your results may vary but this has been my honest experience.

 

[Tech Ninja]

I'm often surprised at how different the experiences different people have. I gave up on lead because of the awful leading I got in all my guns. I tried all the tricks that are supposed to help but nothing did. And once I discovered that Xtreme plated bullets are the same price as lead I never looked at lead again.

 

[rogn]

I shoot them right out of the mold with tumble lube and in the 1/2 dozen guns, long an short, I have no trouble. I have shot some combinations that coat the barrel every shot. If you really want to learn about leading just get some of the original style factory 357 magnun full bore lead bullets, labelled at 158gr, 1500FPS. Thats real leading.

 

[Kingcreek]

I've only ever experienced leading in .357 magnum with cast of unknown composition- probably wheel weights. I've shot over 30k of .45acp with no leading between routine cleaning and I'm not fussy about my cleaning. Never had it with .44mag in revolver or carbine.
I even shot a thousand .40cal cast reloads in a factory Glock barrel (gasp!) with no problems. Obviously no one else should try this since the whole world advises against it.

 

[Dframe]

I've always been surprised at the fanatic worries about leading. Certainly is isn't desirable but is easily removed with a Lewis. And whatever combination caused it is corrected. Job done!

 

[mdi]

Consider yourself fortunate. I have had very little leading and almost zero leading when I fit the bullets to the gun. Good fit, good lube = no leading.

I've walked outside in the country, in the city, and at the beach, I lived in Los Angeles for 60 years and I've never been hit by a by a rampaging buffalo...

 

[orionengnr]

I've shot nothing but lead cast boolits since I started handloading about seven years ago.
Most were bought from Missouri Bullet, although I have also bought and used some from local suppliers.
No problems so far, and none anticipated. For the record, .380, 9mm, .38Spl, .357 Mag, 10mm, .41 Mag, .45acp and .45LC to date.

 

[nettlle]

I've shot 22k 45acp Missouri lead bullets from two different 1911's without any leading.

I did buy 2k from a guy that cast the bullets from wheel weights and did get some leading from these. Still the leading came out with a few swipes of Chore Boy. Leading is not a concern for me when I buy cast lead bullets.

 

[stubbicatt]

When it comes to cast bullets, fit is king. Next is lube. The right lube will make yours a tack driver. The wrong lube will leave you scratching your head.

 

[mr wack]

Agree,,,^^^^^,,,,,
Proper fit ,right lube and a alloy that's works with chosen speed/pressure of load and leading shouldn't be a problem.
I haven't had a problem with leading in any of my guns when I follow these simple " rules ",,,,YMMV,,,.

Y'all have a great and safe 2016.

 

[clutch]

I don't have much trouble with leading and a few jacketed rounds now and then does a fine job of cleaning it out when I do.

 

[joem1945]

Only leading problem I had was with .44 mag and Brinell 12 hardness bullets. Went back to 18 and no problems. Another problem occured when I use AA # 2 in .41 mag. Lots of leading in the comp. Switched to AA # 9 and problem went away.

 

[Sunray]

There is no barrel leading problem if you load correctly. Issue is caused by trying to drive cast bullets too fast. Usually by using jacketed bullet data with a cast bullet.