[Skulptor]

I have been working on recipes using 5 different bullets, 2 different powders, a little variation in OAL (altho I "plunked my barrel" and try to stay with that).
I have found a couple "pretty good" combinations for cast bullets but they just do not compare to the accuracy of the FMJ. To me, it's becoming self evident. I guess it could be that my gun doesn't care for lead (P-99, it has hands and grooves) but it's hard to tell since that is the only 9mm I own.
I can give you the bullets names and powders, etc., but I gleaned the best info I could, for what I use, from you guys here. So I'd really just like to know if you think it can be done? Or is it just a rare exception that someone can find an "as good" or "better" combo using lead?
I'm OK with it if that is the case, and altho I am really enjoying this adventure, I'd like to know if the odds are stacked against me.
Your thoughts?
Thanx.

[Certaindeaf]

Yes, if you've got it right a lead slug, especially out of a handgun will be as accurate as jacketed. Think bullseye shooting with .38 (WC) and or .45acp (LSWC).. about less than 2" at fifty yards accurate. Have you slugged your barrel? How hard is your lead?

[Mike 27]

I think it shoots better out of most of my handguns. MBC in my 45's shoot better than any of the jacketed I run in it.

[10 Spot Terminator]

I'm withe Mike27 on this one. I actually have some lead loads that are somewhat better than jacketed loads for my handguns insofar as accuracy and can be driven faster than jacket bullets as well due to their lower pressure characteristics. Proper bullet sizing to your bore is critical for good accuracy and reduced leading and to use alloys that are still soft enough to allow good obturation of the bullet to insure a good seal in the bore of your firearm. If you havent slugged the bore as of yet on your pistol to determine the correct bullet diameter then you need to start there . Not sure what tips you have already picked up from others so an touching on the key basics of good cast bullet shooting. Hope this helps.


10 Spot

[Constrictor]

lead is more accurate than jackets in almost all cases.

[ljnowell]

No a proper lead bullet load will not be as accurate as a FMJ, it will be more accurate usually.

[gahunter12]

I will have to agree with the above. My 1911's, and XDm45 are all more accurate with lead, than FMJ or plated.

[Certaindeaf]

Well it seems we have a quorum.. much better than a quarrel.

[rondog]

I'd have to say that it depends on the gun, the caliber, and a few other variables. But people don't win matches with .38 lead wadcutters just by luck.

[Cosmoline]

Lead can be trickier than jacketed. For example if your bore has copper fouling that can screw up lead slugs. And different types of rifling may not always work well with lead esp if you are getting gaps in the grooves because the lead isn't filling them properly. So you have to watch your diameter. Sometimes you need to get a slightly wider bullet. The right lube is an issue as well. There are also a lot of variables involved depending on the hardness of the lead. And your velocity is more limited.

So you basically have to experiment with an array of loads. But when it works, it works really well.

[bds]

I think many bullseye match shooters use lead bullets ... ;):D

Although I have used Montana Gold FMJ/JHP as my primary match bullets over the years, I have gotten very good accuracy with certain lead loads (accurate enough for me to consider running them in USPSA match with). Of course, the bullet/barrel/powder/charge/OAL used will determine how accurate your loads can be.

YMMV

[wkuban]

I think you'll find that lead will be more accurate in .38, .45 ACP, even .44 mag with the right hard cast bullets.

[AABEN]

There is the velocity will have a lot to do with it.

[cja245]

The reality is that in cartridges that are well suited to cast bullets (most cartridges), lead bullets are better than jacketed in every way. Of course you have to be realistic with velocity and it really isn't ideal or practical for some high powered rifle and magnum rifle cartridges.

And there are a lot more variables involved with getting cast bullets to shoot well in your gun. bullet design, diameter, lube, alloy. Its pretty much impossible to make factory lead ammo that works well in all guns, that's why almost no manufacturers do it.

[AABEN]

I pour my own bullets for my hand guns using Lee molds and do not have any trouble with them. Wheel weight and add some tin. My 38 357 and 44 use a gas check. Got the Lee molds that call for the gas checks.

[rogn]

FMJs tend to be less a accurate. Open or soft point tend to be better. Each bullet and gun is a case of its own. I have a 375 Ruger that loaded with an oversized, un sized cast lead bullet rubbed with Lee lube and powered with an obsolete shotshell powder will group under 1MOA off a bench at 100m. I cant say I can duplicate this with any other cast loads, but this one just fell together. OTOH a good match bullet can stay under an 1" at 400m

[Yarddog]

Only one of my revolvers is more accurate with SJSP because I need to open up cylinder throats. Other than that one, The others shoot MY cast boolits better than any factory load or FMJ ; )
Y/D

[hueyville]

Cast bullets more accurate by far. Then because of additional savings the shooter shoots more and becomes more accurate also.

[blarby]

I dunno, all of my 45 lead handloads shoot REALLY well in every gun I put them in.

[243winxb]

If you compare the best of cast to the best of jacketed bullet. Jacketed will win every time. The simple fact that cast can be hiding an air bubble, this bubble will make a flyer. The only way to avoid the hidden bubble is weighing each & every bullet. When i work up a load with a new bullet mold, the weight of each bullet is checked. :)

[dragon813gt]

Cast your own bullets to the specs that your firearm needs and you will have an extremely accurate round. Cast bullets have been shot over 2500 fps. So how much velocity do you really need?


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[ljnowell]

Of course you have to be realistic with velocity

I shoot plain based lead bullets in 45 colt to well over 1500fps. No issues at that speed.

If you compare the best of cast to the best of jacketed bullet. Jacketed will win every time. The simple fact that cast can be hiding an air bubble, this bubble will make a flyer. The only way to avoid the hidden bubble is weighing each & every bullet. When i work up a load with a new bullet mold, the weight of each bullet is checked.

I would have to respectfully disagree. I still feel that quality lead bullets are better than quality jacketed.

[Torian]

I'm withe Mike27 on this one. I actually have some lead loads that are somewhat better than jacketed loads for my handguns insofar as accuracy and can be driven faster than jacket bullets as well due to their lower pressure characteristics. Proper bullet sizing to your bore is critical for good accuracy and reduced leading and to use alloys that are still soft enough to allow good obturation of the bullet to insure a good seal in the bore of your firearm. If you havent slugged the bore as of yet on your pistol to determine the correct bullet diameter then you need to start there . Not sure what tips you have already picked up from others so an touching on the key basics of good cast bullet shooting. Hope this helps.


10 Spot
He hit the nail on the head. Properly sized bullets do a better job of engaging the rifling as they proceed down the barrel. I've often had better results from leadcast bullets for this reason.

[Arkansas Paul]

I have found that cast boolits are generally more accurate, once you find the correct size. My .45 Colt does better with lead, and my .40 doesn't do too shabby either.

[maxyedor]

The flaws that can potentially exist in a cast bullet, can also exist in a jacketed bullet, and will cause flyers all the same.

I've yet to find any load that beats my 240 grain cast semi wadcutters for my 44mag. As an added bonus, they're crazy cheap compared to any jacketed bullet.

[BYJO4]

Cast bullets are extremely accurate and provide a large savings to the shooter at the same time.

[Searcher4851]

Cast lead bullets engage the rifling better when cast and properly sized for the barrel.

There's a reason so many bullseye shooters shoot cast. I'm thinking accuracy might be that reason.

[Ky Larry]

How many of us are skilled enough to really tell the difference? I'm talking about shooting guns, not our keyboards.

[Certaindeaf]

What you got?

I'd say not too many people can shoot a handgun like a rifle.

[popper]

Yes!! If you do it right.

[Certaindeaf]

My first lead I cast and shot was for a brand new Ruger stainless Old Army.. just .457 balls and Crisco over like 45gr FFF. I'd make and win money bets from the bench against open sighted rifles.
Thank God they weren't "sharks" or had a good gun or something though.

[Certaindeaf]

How many of us are skilled enough to really tell the difference? I'm talking about shooting guns, not our keyboards.
so?

[Hondo 60]

Can a lead bullet actually shoot as well as a FMJ? Really?

Just ask yourself...
How long have lead bullets been around? 100s of years!

FMJs on the other hand have only been around for about 50 years.

YES!!!!! Pb (lead) bullets are as accurate, or even more so, than jacketed.
Lead can be sized MUCH more easily to fit YOUR gun.

Do you know how? or care to? that's up to you.
The more you investigate & cater to your gun, the more accurate you will be.

[ljnowell]

FMJs on the other hand have only been around for about 50 years.

FMJs have been around much, much longer than 50 years. Think M1911 ball ammo.

[Constrictor]

How many of us are skilled enough to really tell the difference? I'm talking about shooting guns, not our keyboards.
I can tell without any problem.

[.22-5-40]

For an education in what a precision cast plain-based lead bullet is capable of doing at 200 yds. please go to: assraforum-printpage-cw roland target

[41 Mag]

How many of us are skilled enough to really tell the difference? I'm talking about shooting guns, not our keyboards.

I can certainly see if any load is accurate in my handguns cast or jacketed. If they don't shoot together out to 50yds they just ain't cutting the mustard.

I'd say not too many people can shoot a handgun like a rifle.

I'd agree totally with this. Another thing is that many people feel that a handgun is only good ro 10-20yds, and if they can keep their shots on a pie plate thats good enough. I hunt with my handguns and strive for the same type accuracy I get from my rifles. I work up loads from a solid rest, and once I determine it is an accurate loads at 25yds I move out to 50,75, and 100. While I don't regularly shoot out to 100 I have taken several hogs out that far with one shot stops. I also want to know what the groups and bullets do at that range. Sometimes you have a great load at 50yds that is tumbling out a bit further. If you just go with the short range groups you will never know for sure. Once I validate the loads then I practice off hand and field shooting positions to better myself to take advantage of the accuracy of the ammo.

[ljnowell]

How many of us are skilled enough to really tell the difference? I'm talking about shooting guns, not our

I shoot bullseye comp, I can tell the difference in bullets/loads for sure.