Shootin the Lead Out - The Firearms Forum

steve4102 · 01-10-2012, 10:29 PM

I've been testing out lead bullets in my 10MM 1911. I found they work great, I found they are accurate and I found I have very little if any leading. All good.

My question is about switching over from lead to jacketed in the same range session. I is OK to switch from lead to jacketed without removing whatever minor lead deposits I may have left in the barrel?

What about switching from jacketed to lead? Any reason I should not do this without cleaning?

woolleyworm · 01-10-2012, 10:37 PM

If there is only minor leading, then I dont' feel that it's a "must" to clean it prior to shooting jacketed bullets. If there's significant leading, then I think it is a must to clean it before firing ANY more bullets, regardless of type.

There is no issues from going from jacketed to lead.

Once you start shooting a known lead loading, you'll know when/if you need to clean your barrel. A good lead load shouldn't lead to the point of needed frequent cleaning; most shouldn't lead the barrel at all if you've got a proper lube and not driving them too fast.

On that note though, I do have one load that will lead quite abit and it's 158gn FN for my 357; it's only going to get shot 6 times and nothing wants to be on the receiving end of that load. The leading isn't too bad after only 6 rounds and the speed loader that will get dropped into the gun next has HP's.

redwing carson · 01-11-2012, 12:30 AM

If you are working up accurate loads for paper shooting with cast bullets you must clean. Firearms with copper jacket residue in the bore will not provide the most accurate bullet placement with cast lead. A barrel used for cast loads will improve over time if no jacketed bullets are fired in it. If you are just shooting fun targets it makes little difference.

LDBennett · 01-11-2012, 06:05 AM

A compromise that works in my Colt Delta Elite 10mm is plated bullets. I use Rainier 180 gr 10mm bullets.

When I shot cast lead bullets I had to dig the lead out of the barrel in the area just ahead of the chamber. With the plated bullet loaded to cast bullet specs I get no leading or other deposits. For full loads I use Hornady's 200 gr FMJ truncated cone bullets. But I rarely shoot those full loads as the gun gets too exciting in the hand. There is no hurt but the gun twists as it is fired. No other gun I own shot at any published load twists like my Colt Delta Elite on full load 200 gr bullets.

LDBennett

Doug B. · 01-12-2012, 06:01 AM

If there are lead deposits in the barrel, would there not be possible pressure concerns if you followed with copper projectiles?

redwing carson · 01-13-2012, 12:13 AM

Yes if you are shooting a Glock. Shooting lead in a Glock is not recomeded. Shooting jackets over lead has caused many Glocks to blow out. Many shooters have been hurt doing this. Any handgun that will not shoot cast bullets can not live at my house.

01-10-2012, 10:29 PM	#1
steve4102 Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Minnesota Contributor Posts: 2,760	Shootin the Lead Out I've been testing out lead bullets in my 10MM 1911. I found they work great, I found they are accurate and I found I have very little if any leading. All good. My question is about switching over from lead to jacketed in the same range session. I is OK to switch from lead to jacketed without removing whatever minor lead deposits I may have left in the barrel? What about switching from jacketed to lead? Any reason I should not do this without cleaning? -->

01-10-2012, 10:37 PM	#2
woolleyworm TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SW Fort Worth Contributor Posts: 4,884	Re: Shootin the Lead Out If there is only minor leading, then I dont' feel that it's a "must" to clean it prior to shooting jacketed bullets. If there's significant leading, then I think it is a must to clean it before firing ANY more bullets, regardless of type. There is no issues from going from jacketed to lead. Once you start shooting a known lead loading, you'll know when/if you need to clean your barrel. A good lead load shouldn't lead to the point of needed frequent cleaning; most shouldn't lead the barrel at all if you've got a proper lube and not driving them too fast. On that note though, I do have one load that will lead quite abit and it's 158gn FN for my 357; it's only going to get shot 6 times and nothing wants to be on the receiving end of that load. The leading isn't too bad after only 6 rounds and the speed loader that will get dropped into the gun next has HP's. __________________ . What are you gonna do, talk the alien to death? -- (on Sigourney Weaver's worry about Guns in Aliens) "Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands." "I carry a small gun to compensate for my huge Blue press." . Last edited by woolleyworm; 01-10-2012 at 10:40 PM..

01-11-2012, 12:30 AM	#3
redwing carson Former Guest Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: western wyoming Posts: 734	Re: Shootin the Lead Out If you are working up accurate loads for paper shooting with cast bullets you must clean. Firearms with copper jacket residue in the bore will not provide the most accurate bullet placement with cast lead. A barrel used for cast loads will improve over time if no jacketed bullets are fired in it. If you are just shooting fun targets it makes little difference.

01-11-2012, 06:05 AM	#4
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,719	Re: Shootin the Lead Out A compromise that works in my Colt Delta Elite 10mm is plated bullets. I use Rainier 180 gr 10mm bullets. When I shot cast lead bullets I had to dig the lead out of the barrel in the area just ahead of the chamber. With the plated bullet loaded to cast bullet specs I get no leading or other deposits. For full loads I use Hornady's 200 gr FMJ truncated cone bullets. But I rarely shoot those full loads as the gun gets too exciting in the hand. There is no hurt but the gun twists as it is fired. No other gun I own shot at any published load twists like my Colt Delta Elite on full load 200 gr bullets. LDBennett

01-12-2012, 06:01 AM	#5
Doug B. Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Cadott/Chippewa Falls, WI Posts: 35	Re: Shootin the Lead Out If there are lead deposits in the barrel, would there not be possible pressure concerns if you followed with copper projectiles? __________________ "Be A Good Listener. Your Ears Will Never Get You In Trouble"

01-13-2012, 12:13 AM	#6
redwing carson Former Guest Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: western wyoming Posts: 734	Re: Shootin the Lead Out Yes if you are shooting a Glock. Shooting lead in a Glock is not recomeded. Shooting jackets over lead has caused many Glocks to blow out. Many shooters have been hurt doing this. Any handgun that will not shoot cast bullets can not live at my house.