Coated bullets

[Atavar]

I am thinking of trying coated bullets (.45acp) for the first time. It sounds like a good compromise between lead and plated.
Do I use lead data?
They say they don’t need lubrication, so why do they still have the lube groove?
Should I try a small batch first or are they good enough to just grab a thousand?

 

[MWC1974]

Use lead data.

 

[Riomouse911]

The makers often use the same bullet molds for lead (where a lube groove is needed) and coated bullets (where they are not needed). The coating acts as lubricant so is no need for the grooves with the coating, but they don’t hurt.

Non-grooved Eggleston .430 dia. 200 gr RNFP:


Grooved Missouri Bullet Co. 165 gr .430 dia. TCFP:


Stay safe.

 

[drband]

You'll like coated bullets. Less expensive. Easy to load. No lead exposure.

Using lead data is your best bet, though they can be pushed. Always work up. I don't think you could push them hard enough in .45acp to cause the coating to fail, though that's my opinion only!

 

[LoonWulf]

You'll like coated bullets. Less expensive. Easy to load. No lead exposure.

Using lead data is your best bet, though they can be pushed. Always work up. I don't think you could push them hard enough in .45acp to cause the coating to fail, though that's my opinion only!

Properly sized and hardness i think your right, 45 wont blow the coating off. I have had issue with getting some bullets to obturate (or maybe they just dont fit right) and while the coating probably helps it isnt a cure all or guarantee thing.
Again tho fitment and selection aside, coated leads the beezneez for cheap shooting imo.
Im running 240mbcs from my sbh at 1500fps with no lead....those did lead up my gp-100 in 44 special pretty bad which is why i think theres a fitment or hardness issue.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Do I use lead data?
Yes.
They say they don’t need lubrication, so why do they still have the lube groove?
Riomouse911 covered that.
Should I try a small batch first or are they good enough to just grab a thousand?
Depends: Who made them and who's selling them? Will you get a good enough discount to cover the gamble? If you buy a thousand and they don't work out, what then?
Start small. You can always buy more.

 

[AJC1]

Another consideration is bullets still have lube groves because that bullet has been tested and has load data. The amount of bearing surface can change significantly on some bullets which would change the data. The third and most obvious benefit was PC allowed us to use the same bullets we came to love, function well and we have worked up. I havent seen any testing groveless cast bullets are any better nor have I seen dramatically cheaper molds....

 

[MeanBean]

I've used SnS casting coated 230gr RN without a groove for over 2 years.. Love em. They're cheap, available, and accurate. I don't think that 2 of my .45s have ever seen a factory round. .45s are the perfect cartridge to try a coated bullet on. Slow enough not to worry about the coating, big enough bore to see any leading/fouling in the barrel. Not that I've had any issues with either, but that was my reasoning for giving them a shot.
www.snscasting.com

 

[Walkalong]

ACME SWC (SNS and others work great too. Lead data is a great place to start.

 

[fxvr5]

Articles that might be of interest;

https://www.ssusa.org/articles/2017/3/7/coated-bullets-the-future-of-lead-bullets-for-handloaders/

https://www.ssusa.org/articles/2017/3/27/accuracy-of-lube-groove-vs-no-lube-groove-cast-bullets/

 

[Mark_Mark]

am I the only one that thinks coated bullets are ugly as heck???

 

[fxvr5]

am I the only one that thinks coated bullets are ugly as heck???

yup

 

[Random 8]

am I the only one that thinks coated bullets are ugly as heck???

I think they look really cool, just don't like the way they shoot for me vs jacketed or cast. My. 41 hates them. I could tolerate them in 9mm, but found comparably priced jacketed bullets that shoot much better for less than a penny more. My. 357 rifle and handguns are noticeably more accurate with good old fashioned wax lubed hard cast.

I hate how they smell.

 

[AJC1]

am I the only one that thinks coated bullets are ugly as heck???

You dont like my smurfs.... for shame...

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

am I the only one that thinks coated bullets are ugly as heck???

The red pills show you the real world.

 

[Jonesy814]

I started reloading in 2014, almost exclusively with plated bullets. About 3 1/2 years later I ordered a bunch of Hi-Tek coated bullets for 9mm, 45 auto and 38/357. I never went back to plated. They shoot great and are about 75% of the price of plated

 

[sevt_chevelle]

For 45 230gr I prefer SNS. They have a sleeker profile than others that I've tried.
Acme has a short fat profile and requires one to load them shorter by .030

 

[Mark_Mark]

The red pills show you the real world.

I prefer the Blue pill, “Ignorances is bliss”

 

[1976B.L.Johns.]

“Ignorances is bliss”

can be dangerous!
Especially in re-loading. But not in the case of the color of your bullets.

Use care,
out there!

B.L.

 

[Atavar]

am I the only one that thinks coated bullets are ugly as heck???

I want to get some black ones for nickel cases. I bet that would be pretty.

 

[AJC1]

I want to get some black ones for nickel cases. I bet that would be pretty.

My current desire is orange. Look like a nice hot rod.

 

[rabid wombat]

I use the 200 gr flat points….

https://www.kingshooters.com/bullets-pc-bullets-not-ammunition-/5-3014

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I prefer the Blue pill, “Ignorances is bliss”

The blue pills make you larger. Go ask Alice when she’s ten feet tall.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I want to get some black ones for nickel cases. I bet that would be pretty.

I got some in.358” a while back. Can’t remember from where. I loaded them up in nickel.357 brass. Might still have a box hanging around. If I find some I’ll post a picture and where I got them.

 

[Mark_Mark]

The blue pills make you larger. Go ask Alice when she’s ten feet tall.

ooooh GOD! I sear you’re English!