quick lead load question

[broham]

I'm going to start loading some lead for my 40cal. I am going to try AA#5, 231, and Bulls eye. How many rounds of each charge weight will it take to see if I get any leading.

 

[Ateam-3]

This depends on how hard or soft the cast bullets are and how hot the loads are.

 

[broham]

I have a batch of Penn 165TCBB's and Missouri 180 TCFP. Both are listed at 18BHR. I figure I'll load a few charges from mid to high end lead data. I figure I'd load 10 of each? Is that enough to see if it's good?

 

[jfh]

you'll probably see leading within ten rounds. But, you have to prepare for a meaningful way to evaluate the leading issue.

1. Shoot only one powder / bullet / primer combination at a time.

2. Do a load development set, and start with the lowest charge.

3. Shoot 5 rounds, and examine the barrel. With the faster powders (Bulleye, 231) look for leading at the leade as charges increase. Arguably, swab / clean the barrel between each test, etc. etc.

However, an alternative approach would be to simply shoot some proven recipe you like with this bullet. The issue may be the particular barrel and its rifling, rather than the recipe factors. (Personally, I am a believer in burnishing barrels with jacketed bullets, before I worry about sorting out lead loads.)

Jim H.

 

[Ateam-3]

Both are good bullets and sufficiently hard. I do not load for 40, but I do load for 9mm and 45 and have used the components mentioned. I have never had and leading issues with my pistols using the higher end charges. I do not think leading will be any problem with a BHN of 18. Just my thoughts - enjoy.

 

[LiveLife]

What gun/barrel will you be shooting out of?

 

[Cloudpeak]

I think bullet "fit" has more to do with leading than bullet hardness. An undersized bullet for your bore can cause leading problems. I like to size my bullets .002" greater than bore diameter and slug all of my barrels using pure lead bullets (some folks use lead sinkers of the appropriate diameter) so I know what diameter to size my cast bullets.