Powder Coat pure lead handgun bullet without gas check

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burbank.jung

Active Member
I am casting various MP HP bullets to test the alloys from .38 and .45, 9mm and 40cal. My first casts were tested as pure lead from both indoor pellet lead and another batch of range scrap jacketed core. I'll air cool testloads and water drop another set. In addition, I'll leave one as a hp, serrate the hollow point with a screwdriver, and fill another. I think the .38 and .45 PC bullets will be okay because of the pressure is low. But will the PC rub off so my barrel will lead using a standard 9mm and 40cal load? Has anyone had experience shooting pure lead cast PC handgun bullets?
 
quicksylver

quicksylver

Well-Known Member
I can only speak for .45ACP and .38Special, no problems at all , air cooled at target velocities, the .45's do bruse a little when feeding, just like a jacketed softpoint rifle bullet.Especially wad cutters.
 
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popper

Well-Known Member
I only shoot PB pistol bullets. My experiment with pure (actually has a low % Zn in it) was interesting. 165gr TC bullet in 40sw. My Lee 401 sizer didn't do much to them. Fired from XDm at 7 yds., normal 950ish load with hp38. Target showed a lot of tumbling AND lots of normal holes. And at that distance they all hit accurately! But barrel was leaded. Used LLA for lube.
My normal alloy for 40 & 9mm is 1.5-2% Sb, PC and then WD from oven. Minimum barrel leading, lands get dirty. I run the alloy harder as the cases are tough and can resize the body.
I have a bunch of PCd, WD and AC loads (and shot some) can't tell the difference in accuracy at close range. The WD ones are for hog control at the ranch. Proof? Shot a 150ish hog in rear, bullet exited snout, broke a leg and all of lower jaw. Shot at 20 yds. IIRC the AC ones, just lazy.
My 9s are SD pocket guns and I want penetration, not expansion. They run 950-1k fps for a 135gr RNFP PB.
 
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CZ93X62

CZ93X62

Official forum enigma
I have played around with unalloyed lead bullets in revolvers, but not in autopistols. Just an opinion/SWAG, but I think the slower twist rates and lower pressures of the wheel guns (32 Mag, 38/357 Mag, 44 Mag, 45 AR and 45 Colt) get along better with soft lead. I haven't exceeded 900 FPS with any load.

Some of this experience dates back 20+ years. There was a time that actual lead could be used to harvest game and splat vermin in this Worker's Paradise. It is still permissble to dispatch two-legged ne'er-do-wells with lead, though the political ramifications of doing so can cause unpredictable complications. Caveat emptor, semper.

The same rules apply to unalloyed lead that apply to alloys--size is paramount, use good lube (50/50 BW/Alox) works fine), and stick to moderate pressures and twist rates.
 
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