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gregoryhart1
Junior Member
236 Posts |
 Posted - 11/02/2009 : 6:19:55 PM
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How fast can I sned a cast bullet without excessive leading? I'm using .38 cal. 125gr BBRNFP with a BHN or around 15. I plan on using these in my .357 Taurus with a 4" barrel.
GH1 |
I owe my life to an organ donor |
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bpost1958
Moderator
12420 Posts |
Posted - 11/02/2009 : 6:45:28 PM
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Hi,
The PROPER size of the bullet in combination with he correct lube for the application will determine the MV that can be attained, with out leading. The condition of the forcing cone and smoothness of the bore also has some bearing on the issue.
The common wisdom is that a bullet sized .001 larger than bore size is correctly sized. I still use the 50/50 mix of ALOX 2138F and bees wax for a lube. Other lubes may work as well but I can't see changing.
I drive my plain based bullets, Keith style, cast out of wheel weights to book max loads seeking that highest MV I can squeeze out of both the 357 mag and 44 Mag calibers. These bullets are shot out of four guns, two in each caliber, I have ZERO leading issues.
EDIT; I am also shooting a 375 H&H mag and a 8MM Mauser with cast bullets at close to 2000 FPS, same alloy, same lube, no leading issues. These are Gas Checked bullets. |
qui non est hodie cras minus aptus erit
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Edited by - bpost1958 on 11/02/2009 6:47:35 PM |
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MIKE WISKEY
Advanced Member
5057 Posts |
Posted - 11/02/2009 : 10:05:47 PM
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| speed isn't an issue with case bullets in a handgun (4" barrel), alloy and lubricant are. a good 'hard' bullet (like the above wheel weights, or lynotype) and good lube are the important things. |
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gregoryhart1
Junior Member
236 Posts |
Posted - 11/03/2009 : 04:47:49 AM
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The alloy is 92% lead, 6% antimony, and 2% tin. The maker lists the lube type as "red heat lube", whatever that is. I've written the manufacturer but haven't heard back from them yet, if I find anything out I'll post it.
GH1 |
I owe my life to an organ donor |
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richbug
Advanced Member
3487 Posts |
Posted - 11/03/2009 : 08:37:51 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by gregoryhart1
The alloy is 92% lead, 6% antimony, and 2% tin. The maker lists the lube type as "red heat lube", whatever that is. I've written the manufacturer but haven't heard back from them yet, if I find anything out I'll post it.
GH1
If the bullets fit your bore, that alloy should be able to be driven as hard as you want, light loads might actually lead more than heavy ones. This is because with an alloy that hard they may not obturate as well as a soft bullet would.
Bigger is always better when it comes to cast bullet size, assuming they chamber easily. I run my 38's and 357's at .359" and have never had any leading issues. |
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jonk
Advanced Member
6174 Posts |
Posted - 11/03/2009 : 08:59:31 AM
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Weeeelll... I wouldn't say that bigger is always better. I have a Steyr M95 (old military gun) that will CHAMBER a 338 slug, but the bore diameter is .331. Just an oversized chamber. While I have no doubt the lead will swage down just fine it distorts the bullet such that accuracy drops off. .333 has been my best so far.
In general though, yes, an oversized bullet of .001+ is best. At handgun velocities alloy isn't really as important so long as it isn't pure lead. You should be able to use any load in the book if bullet fit is good.
One issue- I've found that a softer lube works better in handguns than a hard one. I don't know if your lube is soft or hard but it's something to consider. I second bpost's idea of 50/50 lube. It is fine for all but the most brutal loads. |
"...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conf |
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gregoryhart1
Junior Member
236 Posts |
Posted - 11/03/2009 : 5:30:06 PM
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I contacted the manufacturer and acording to him they seemed to shoot best at around 1000-1100 fps, and he advised not to exceed 1200. Now I just need to figure out how much Bullseye I need to get these speeds.
Thanks for the input everybody.
GH1 |
I owe my life to an organ donor |
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gunprofit
New Member
USA
95 Posts |
Posted - 11/03/2009 : 7:25:40 PM
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| Powder plays a part in leading also. If you are going for pure speed, I would use a cooler burning powder (medium burn rate) such as Blue Dot. Using Bullseye with heavy charges will melt the base of the bullet and fuse it to the rifling. Don't forget that the best accuracy is seldom the highest velocity. But, glad to see that you are using lead bullets. So many new shooters think that jacketed bullets are the way to go. I spend a lot of time proving to them the accuracy of lead boolits. My kids say I do that because I'm a dick. I say I do it for educational reasons. HaHaHa |
"The thing that separates the American Christian from every other person on earth is the fact that he would rather die on his feet, than live on his knees!" George Washington |
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gregoryhart1
Junior Member
236 Posts |
Posted - 11/04/2009 : 6:56:20 PM
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The main reason I went to cast was to save money on target loads. I'm not trying to fire these things at maximum pressures or anything, I just want to make sure a small .357 load isn't too much for these bullets. If so I'll get some jacketed rounds and save the cast for my .38's.
Again, thanks for everyones input.
GH1 |
I owe my life to an organ donor |
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bpost1958
Moderator
12420 Posts |
Posted - 11/04/2009 : 10:40:42 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by gregoryhart1
The main reason I went to cast was to save money on target loads. I'm not trying to fire these things at maximum pressures or anything, I just want to make sure a small .357 load isn't too much for these bullets. If so I'll get some jacketed rounds and save the cast for my .38's.
Again, thanks for everyones input.
GH1
A great plinking/target load for the 357 mag. is 6 grains of Unique pushing a 148-160 grain cast bullet. It has a touch more snap than a 38 spl but not so much you can't shoot it all day long. It is under 1,000 FPS and very accurate in my guns. |
qui non est hodie cras minus aptus erit
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5mmgunguy
Senior Member
1865 Posts |
Posted - 11/04/2009 : 11:05:31 PM
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| I keep my lead bullets about 1000 fps or slower...works great with little leading. Need to get the lead out use a Lewis Lead Remover...the only way to go! Works great! |
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cast bullet speed
Topic Locked
