Thirties
Member
When it comes to lead bullets, I have loaded and shot successfully only swaged lead bullets: 148g HBWC, and 158g SWC. [I've also done plated and jacketed, but that is not my topic here.]
I am using my ammo for informal shooting (plinking). I shoot it in 4" and 2" barreled revolvers.
I've got a few boxes of cast 148g DEWC, and some 158g cast SWC, but not yet loaded any.
Do the cast bullets require any extra powder compared with the swaged lead equivalents? Loading books do not leave me with a clear answer to this question. Also, is there a difference between lead bullets marked "Cast" and those marked "Hard Cast"?
I assume Hard Cast bullets stand up better to higher velocities, and leave less lead in the barrel. Am I right? And are swaged lead bullets intended for slower velocities? Where does that leave those "cast but not hard cast" bullets?
This is a beginner's question to be sure, but I have been loading ammo for a couple of years now. I just never got into the cast stuff yet.
I am using my ammo for informal shooting (plinking). I shoot it in 4" and 2" barreled revolvers.
I've got a few boxes of cast 148g DEWC, and some 158g cast SWC, but not yet loaded any.
Do the cast bullets require any extra powder compared with the swaged lead equivalents? Loading books do not leave me with a clear answer to this question. Also, is there a difference between lead bullets marked "Cast" and those marked "Hard Cast"?
I assume Hard Cast bullets stand up better to higher velocities, and leave less lead in the barrel. Am I right? And are swaged lead bullets intended for slower velocities? Where does that leave those "cast but not hard cast" bullets?
This is a beginner's question to be sure, but I have been loading ammo for a couple of years now. I just never got into the cast stuff yet.