Lead bullets

[General Tso]

I'm new to lead bullets. I'm going to shoot them in my handguns and carbine. I'm worried about lead build up causing explosions. Approximately how many rounds before a good cleaning? Missouri bullets, 9mm, 10mm, and 44 mag.

 

[mcdonl]

Sir, I am a newbie so disregard most of what I say

My understanding is a good lube will prevent the leading. I use Lee Liquid Alox and do not have a problem. I can only imagine that the good people at Missouri Bullets use only the best.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/forumdisplay.php?f=58

Always some good lube threads at cast boolits.

Good luck!

 

[fireside44]

I'm worried about lead build up causing explosions. Approximately how many rounds before a good cleaning?

Depends on the bullets you use.

You want hard cast, not swaged junk. Hard cast with a good lube and you can shoot hundreds without worry. Do it all the time. Leading will be minimal unless you are getting silly hot with your loads.

 

[helg]

Leading does not occur - at all - on a bullet that is consistent with barrel and load. Check 4 main reasons for leading in the article below, and be sure they do not apply to your loads.

http://www.lasc.us/TaylorLeadingDefined.htm

 

[Sunray]

Use cast bullet data and you'll be fine. Leading is caused by trying to drive cast bullets too fast.

 

[lexjj]

leading can happen from driving them too fast, or not fast enough.

I use a boresnake on my pistol before I put them away at the range and that is generally sufficient to take care of any bit of leading (especially if the pistols are still warm).

You can shoot several hundred rounds though before it should be a problem.

 

[MichaelK]

I cast for 9mm, .38, .357, .40, .44, and .45, using Lyman #2 alloy as my standard bullet alloy. Leading after 200-300 rounds (9mm, not .44Mag) is minimal, and usually cleans out completely with a few tight cotton patches.

Follow the advice in the link provided above. Match your bullet diameter to your bore, +.001", use good lubrication (I use Thompson's Blue Angel), and stay away from swaged commercial bullets. Do that and you'll get excellent cast bullet performance.

 

[rcmodel]

Dup thread in Gunsmithing forum.

I answered here yesterday.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=6359310&postcount=3

rc