Lead in your barrel from hollow points?

[javacodeman]

I read threads, and questions from those threads solidify after a few days. Anyways, a couple of days ago there was a thread about how to clean lead from lead bullets. This got me to thinking...

When I get my Ranger Ts (hollow point with some exposed lead) to shoot and then carry for SD, will I need to inspect/clean for lead? I've only ever shot FMJs out of my H&K .40 thus far.

Thanks,

java

 

[Firehand]

I'd say no. If you look at the bullet, you'll see that the exposed lead is above the part of the bullet that actually contacts the barrel.

So while you can sometimes get a bit of copper fouling, jacketed soft or hollowpoints generally do not cause any lead fouling.

 

[RyanM]

Actually, you will get a tiny bit of lead fouling. Both FMJs and Ranger Talon ammo have an exposed lead base. The hot powder gasses vaporize a tiny bit of lead, leaving deposits in the barrel.

You will have more copper fouling, though. But you won't have to worry about that until you've got a few thousand rounds down the tube. There are several solvents on the market. I recommend a nylon bore brush, since the solvents will attack bronze or brass brushes. Also, nylon is much easier on the barrel. Most people wear their barrels out through cleaning rather than shooting.