Hi-Tek Coated bullets - impressive. I am now a convert

[anothernewb]

After some initial skepticism regarding coatings on bullets. I bit the bullet (pun intended) and ordered some of them. I must say that after my experimentation - that I am a convert to them.

Not to plug a specific business over another, but I ordered some 100 count sample packs from Bayou bullets, to give them a try side by side with what I am used to

I compared them to the closest approximations I could in a plated bullet which I have used in (9mm) and my go to lead loads (in 38 and 45)

I ran into some initial troubles locking in accurate loads, but after some closer examination, it appears that the coated bullets may indeed live up to their claims of higher velocities and lubricity. I ended up backing down my powder levels in all cases by anywhere from .1 to a stunning .5gr While retaining full firearm function.

The bullets tested were
9mm: 147 TC*, 124 RN
*note I decreased my usual OAL in the 147 load as lower powder charges were resulting in incomplete burns with HS-6)

38: 138 WC*, 158gr SWC
*note - the .5gr reduction was 138 likely due to the comparison being a 148 HBWC profile)

45acp: 200 SWC

The powders I tested with them were Bullseye, clays, HS-6, trail boss, and 231. depending on caliber and bullet weight.

The loads do indeed smoke less then their counterparts, and recovered rounds showed that the coating was staying intact.

also keep in mind all rounds were low velocity target rounds, since I normally shoot paper at in indoor range.

 

[murf]

what kind of barrel fouling are you getting with the coated bullets? is it removed with normal cleaning methods?

murf

 

[anothernewb]

barrels have been very clean. As I've only run a total of 200 coated rounds through them I have yet to discover any appreciable fouling. If there's leading there, its considerably less than with regular lubed bullets. For one, the initial half inch of lead smear right near the chamber I tend to get with my 1911 is not present with the coated bullets, or at the very least, considerably reduced.

What I've noticed most is that the powder residue in the barrels seems easier to remove. a wipe with a dry patch seems to remove a great deal of it. it seems more "powdery" rather than "tacky" residue - if that makes any sense.

 

[murf]

sounds like a winner all the way around. the lack of tack in the residue - maybe the lack of bullet lube?

thx for the response,

murf

 

[wlkjr]

I tested some 124g Bayous today and backed down my charges also. I dropped from 3.6 grains of Titegroup to 3.2 for the Bayou. Groupings were consistent and accuracy was good also.
My biggest improvement was in 10mm with a 180 grain TCG. Accuracy was awesome at 12 yards, which is where I always test. And I dropped from 5.2 grains of Titegroup to 4.4 grains.
I'm really liking the Bayous.

 

[TfflHndn]

I've used Bayou's 200 gr. swc for .45 auto with GREAT results. Have also used Falcon and SNS coated bullets and have been very happy with them. A little smoke, no fouling, no leading, and no gunking up my seating dies. Not a single problem with the coated pills in about 6 months of use. Good stuff!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I ordered 500 124gr RN Hi-Tek 2 coated bullets from Missouri bullets and I was extremely happy with the results in the 9mm. I intentionally tried to make the coating fail but the attempt failed. I was able to push them to an AV of 1201 fps with no breakdown at all and accuracy continued to be very good.

I'm also a convert...

 

[Rule3]

I like them also. Only thing I need to get used to is the slight odor they give off. Kinda of a burned plastic or chemical smell. It's odd can't really explain it,

Just a funky smell.

 

[anothernewb]

huh. I just attributed it that to powder smell- since I wasn't smelling burnt lube anymore.

 

[forty5]

I have used Bayou and SNS coated bullets in several different calibers with excellent results. Count me as a convert.

 

[Rule3]

huh. I just attributed it that to powder smell- since I wasn't smelling burnt lube anymore.

Nope it's not powder smell it's the coating, I have good sniffer. Can you smell the difference between Trailboss and other powder. Foreign 22 LR ?

I tried to melt the coating on the garage floor with a propane torch, same smell, The coating held up until it punched a pin hole and the molten lead poured out,

I worked with chemicals and solvents and it's clearly a chemical smell.

 

[Toprudder]

So far I have only tried the 200gn 45 from Bayou Bullets, and I noticed higher velocities as well, compared to plated that I normally use. I have some 9mm 124 loaded to test, and I am going to do some more testing of the 45.

 

[celem]

They shoot well but my fellow shooters complain if I shoot them due to the odor. They do stink when shot - smell a bit like a burning electrical transformer.

 

[moonman16]

Sometimes the SMELL is produced because the coating was not fully cured.
I've been coating projectiles with HI-TEK along with using commercially coated
ones for about 18 months, I love the stuff.