Is there a "best" Hi-Tek Supercoat bullet manufacturer?

Who makes your favorite Hi-Tek Supercoat bullets?

  • MIssouri Bullet Company

    Votes: 11 26.8%

  • Bayou Bullets

    Votes: 5 12.2%

  • Chey Cast Bullets

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • SNS Cast Bullets

    Votes: 2 4.9%

  • ACME Bullet Company

    Votes: 14 34.1%

  • Mastercast Bullets

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Other

    Votes: 1 2.4%

  • Doesn't matter

    Votes: 8 19.5%
  • Total voters
    41
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Shrinkmd

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Besides for picking a bullet for the weight or particular mold you wanted, is there any difference between major HiTek coated bullet manufacturers? I have been perusing the older threads about barrel wear, fouling from the coating, accuracy due to non uniform coating, and funny smell. So far, it looks like buying from established manufacturers who aren't "hurrying" to fill orders is the wisest path, assuming you don't want to master the process yourself.

I am happy to pay someone else to powder and bake them. Am I good to go ordering from Missouri, Bayou, Acme or others? Have there been any recent tales of quality issues? I am thinking about ordering some trial packs, but of course the first 100 bullets doesn't "guarantee" that the next box of 3000 won't have any quality issues. I am a little hesitant to start sending those through my revolver barrels if cleanup becomes an issue. Lead I know how to get out, not an issue, but some people's tales of woe regarding poor powder coating make me hesitate to start flinging them down any gun without an easily replaceable barrel. My M&P, haha no problem.
 
I have used bullets from 3 of the manufacturers listed and had zero issues with any of them. Acme gets the nod for my use as they are local.
 
Bayou was the first,for hi-tek. Donnie was the one that first sold just the coating. I haven’t bought anyone else’s coated bullets since I was able to coat my own.

Precision was the first cast/coated bullet manufacturer (switched to swaged/coated around 2005) David has always been tight lipped about his coating but it’s a good one too.
 
I use Acme but would not hesitate to use MBC. The Acme coating seems a little more uniform. Both work with no issues.
 
It's not all just about the coating. You should consider the hardness of the cast bullet as well. Especially when shooting them in a revolver with small throats and a larger bore. I find a lead bullet of the best hardness for the particular use and test for accuracy first. If that works well then the coated is just icing on the cake IMO. That said with "Hi-Tec" coating if applied correctly there are seldom problems. Those that use other plastic shake and bake coatings might not work as well as Hi-Tec either. I have mostly used Missouri Bullet for coated because the price is good and that is where I started to get them. I find no need to change unless the cost goes up a lot. YMMV
 
I have used MBC's coated bullets in 38 spl., 9mm, and 357 mag. 300MP was used in the 357 loads. I have seen no fouling in any of the barrels.
 
Good info. I just ordered some of the MBC coated 148 gr dewc and 200 gr swc, since my presses are set up for 38 special and 45acp. It will be nice shooting revolver without making as much of a mess. I gave my 627 a good cleaning after several range trips, 300+ rounds of wadcutters and some full 357s, all lead, melted blue lube, and bullseye or 2400 residue everywhere.
 
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When I was shooting coated I liked both Acme (maybe a hair nicer) and MBC.
One advantage is MBC has some bulletscome in both BHN 12 and BHN 18.
For me in some things .45 ACP, .38 and light .357 the softer ones shot better.
 
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I have shot both Acme and MBC coated bullets. Not much difference AFAIC but I like Acme a bit better due to the neat wooden box and the slightly cheaper price.
 
MBC has always been quite good.

I would add Gallant Bullets to your list; they're still a very young Co., and are busy digging out from Black Friday orders, but I think they show promise.
 
daboone said:
That is what I was asking, if any of these companies are making a 7.62x39 or 9x18 Hi-tec coated bullets?
Click to expand...

Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think you'll be able to shoot a cast lead bullet slow enough to where it won't lead the hell out of the barrel and will still cycle the action of an SKS. Bolt, lever, pump rifles, sure.

As for 9x18, just need to source .366 bullets. I'm sure someone makes some.
 
MBC has .311 and .313 Coated bullets that should work in 7.62X39
.311 are listed for Marlin Lever guns, .313 for 32-20
 
Riccochet said:
Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think you'll be able to shoot a cast lead bullet slow enough to where it won't lead the hell out of the barrel and will still cycle the action of an SKS. Bolt, lever, pump rifles, sure.

As for 9x18, just need to source .366 bullets. I'm sure someone makes some.
Click to expand...
The Hi-Tek coating is not paint and is very tough. I have yet to see one break open and expose the lead core. I'm surprised how really tough the coating is.
 
I've tried a bunch of different ones and keep coming back to Missouri and SNS with an occasional order from Summers Enterprises. I find the quality and accuracy to be equal from all 3 with the nod going to Missouri for a larger selection of weights and styles. Ive tried the 12 and 18 hardness and myself can't tell the difference in accuracy. As long as the coating is applied with the same thickness, I can't see where the hardness would have anything to do with leading once the bullet is coated.
 
I've used SNS (138 gr button-nose WC) and Bayou (150 gr swc for 38super and 200 gr swc for .45) with very good results. I also found a nice SWC for .45 auto at Badman Bullets that I'm liking a lot.
 
Just loaded up 100 of the 148 gr DEWC with Bullseye 3.5 gr, will chrono compared to the same load with my regular lead 148 gr H&G and report back soon.
 
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