What cast bullets are we using?

[Random 8]

Been trying a few different makers over the last few years, and haven't really settled on one to prefer for most/all applications.
I have tried:
Missouri conventional cast in 9mm... decent results, have switched 9mms since, so no current data.
Missouri Hi Tek cast 9mm... no joy. Mediocre accuracy, weird fouling and smell
Acme Coated 9mm... similar to MB, have a lot of them to burn up yet
MB conventional .38... quite happy with these bullets at low velocity, cannot run past 1000fps.
Berry's .41... good bullet for my uses, but haven't been able to run them full power without leading
MB coated .41... disaster. Coating comes off the front driving band in seating die and leads the hell out of the barrel even at low velocity. Going to make the rest into fishing jigs.
Misc Lazer, Magtech, others in .41 and .38... Mixed results, haven't tried to push any fast.
Currently have Acme .38 and Penn .38 and .41 awaiting testing.

Wondering what folks have had the best luck with. Uses are casual plinking, some informal "action" shoots in 9mm, plinking at .38 special velocities, field pistol IHMSA at low-end .357 speeds and full power .41 Big Bore IHMSA silhouette.

 

[Mn Fats]

I only use hard cast in my revolvers. Swc. I've been buying Acme for the last few years. Nice price and a cool little wood box. Just as accurate as other companies that have charged me more. I plink and chase groups but by no means am I a silhouette shooter.

 

[badkarmamib]

I order mine from Summers Enterprises, LLC. I couldn't buy wheel weights around here for what he charges for bullets. I am thinking about trying his Hi-Tek version next time. He will cram 50 lbs of lead in a flat rate box. I feel bad for our mail carrier every time I place my order...

 

[Dudedog]

When I was shooting cast I liked Missouri Bullet Company and Acme.
I never had leading issues but I think the powder coating is worth the few extra $ it costs. (once MBC had it available, All the Acmes I bought were coated)
What I hear tends to be than plain lubed lead is a hair more accurate however.

 

[cfullgraf]

When I shoot cast bullets, either home cast or purchased, I keep the velocity at moderate levels. Then I can shoot about anything I can stuff in the case.

Many shoot near maximum cast bullet load with good success but they are more careful with their choice of bullet alloy and fitment of the bullet in their gun. Great for them and I am impressed with their ability but more effort than I wish to expend.

 

[Snowdog]

Before I began casting my own (and man I'm glad I did), I really liked using Missouri Bullet Company's offerings. Awesome consistency and priced right. I'm still loading their IDP #2 and #7 for my .40 S&W and 10mm that I still have on hand.

I've already recast much of my other purchased hardcast bullets as I PC my own hardcast and I can't help but feel that boiling the purchased hardcast simply to remove the lube sounds counterproductive, especially since casting my own is easy, relaxing and oddly satisfying.

Powder coating... not so much, but it's worth the hassle.

However, I'm such a fan of the Missouri Bullet Co's IDP #2 & #7 that I'm just going to continue using them until I run out and just deal with the smoke.

 

[jmorris]

I hi-tek coat my cast bullets these days. Less mess than wax lube both reloading and shooting them.

I shot a lot of Precision bullets back when they were the only cast/coated bullet available (they have been swayed/coated since sometime around 2004-2005 and still a good choice). There are lots of folks that make some good ones these days. MBC offers a lot of deals here.

 

[doubleh]

The last I bought was from Dardas because I needed an oversize for caliber bullet and they offered what I needed. It seemed the cheapest way to see if what I though would work and it did. These are good looking bullets and I will purchase more when I run out for this particular gun. The price was competitive, the quality was excellent, and delivery was quick.

 

[LiveLife]

Dardas is no more. And I did like their bullets - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...ponents-on-sale.707473/page-165#post-10859308

What cast bullets

For lighter target velocities, hard to beat 12 BHN MBC Bullseye #1 200 gr SWC for 45ACP. Even with lighter powder charge of 4.0 gr Red Dot/Promo, bullet base deforms/obturates well enough to seal with the barrel to produce accuracy - http://missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=56&category=5&secondary=13

For lower cost plinking loads, 14-16 BHN Z-Cast 200 gr SWC has worked well even with 4.0 gr Red Dot/Promo powder charge - https://www.jacobeagle.com/product-page/45-acp-200-grain-swc-500-count

Missouri conventional cast in 9mm... decent results
Missouri Hi Tek cast 9mm... no joy. Mediocre accuracy
Acme Coated 9mm... similar to MB

For greater accuracy, switch to RMR jacketed bullets. With 5% THR discount or 8%-10% sales, especially with larger quantities, I have been able to buy jacketed bullets at or lower cost than cast/coated lead bullets - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...ponents-on-sale.707473/page-166#post-10900137

 

[hdbiker]

I've tried Missouri Bullets long ago but mostly cast my own. hdbiker

 

[cheygriz]

Laser cast has a good rep out here.

 

[Charlie98]

As far as pistol boolits, I pretty much just load commercial cast, standard weight bullets in .41 and .45 Colt... whatever is setting on the shelf. I run them pretty hard... around 1500fps for the .41's out of my Marlin 1894, but because they are sized for the bore, I don't really have a problem with leading. I do really like the Cast Performance 250grn gas checked .41 bullet, however.

Rifle bullets are a little different... I get my cast rifle bullets primarily from Montana Bullet Works where I can get properly sized, gas checked bullets for each application... .30-30, .308, .348WCF, and .45-70.

 

[WrongHanded]

I use SNS Casting polymer coated. They do what I need, but have only been as accurate as I am.

 

[mdi]

I cast 99% of the lead bullets I use, but before I buy a mold I'll purchase some bullets of the design/weight I'm thinking about using. Beartooth Bullets are the best I've purchased in recent memory. I can order a diameter that will fit my guns and the bullets come with a decent lube. Some bullets cast by Beartooth have a backlog, but worth the wait. I have purchased some Acme bullets and really like the little wooden boxes they ship in and excellent response time...

 

[JeffG]

Gardener's Cache for me, outstanding bullets. Great prices.
http://gardnerscache.com/

 

[Blue68f100]

I use MBC for years. Decades ago I was buying from a judge that lived in Dallas. Him and his son did these, was getting 147gr LSWC (.358) for $9/1000 back then.