Are cast bullets the road to big power in a pistol?

[Super Sneaky Steve]

It seems like all the hottest buffalo bore rounds for pistols are some type of cast bullet.

I"ve been looking to closely recreate their hot .38 special load and the hottest data I can find for a 158gr bullet is for a cast bullet with 6.3gr of HS-6 behind it that should push it out to 1010fps. That isn't even +P pressure.

The hotest XTP of the same weight is going only 965fps in +P pressure and 888fps standard.

So first off, would it be correct to say cast bullets can be pushed faster at non magnum speeds? And then would it also be correct to say that because of the softness there's less friction and maybe that's why they can go faster with less pressure?

It also got me to thinking if someone could make an alloy that is softer than lead, but with a higher tollerance for heat, maybe we could push bullets even faster?

 

[Walkalong]

They can be pushed faster at less pressure, if that is what you mean.

A slicker bullet than lead with the weight needed? Doubt it.

 

[rcmodel]

Grease lubed cast bullets = less bore friction = higher velocity at the same or less pressure as a jacketed bullet.

So far in the last several hundred years, nobody has been able to invent a new element that works any better for bullets then the lead, tin, & antimony alloys we already have.

Depleted Uranium maybe?
But if you think lead dust is bad for your health, think again.

rc

 

[Galil5.56]

Steve, Hodgdon is notorious for very optimistic reported velocities, even with their what, 7.7" test barrel? Even when I used HS-6 to the then current +P max of 7.3 grains in the Hodgdon Manual (1995), using a cast/swaged 158 grain bullet, best I could get was 866 fps. Yeah, it was "only" a 3" S&W model 60, but let me show you something that may interest you.

Using current Alliant Power Pistol data for .38 Special +P and a 158 grain LSWC, their max charge is 6 grains, and the same gun gets 927 fps avg using this data. Alliant says this same load gets 1037 fps from a 6" barrel, and depending on your particular lot, and 6" gun, I would not be surprised one iota if higher velocities could be realized. Soft swaged or cast, leading is a non-issue for me, and if you might want to use a very soft lead bullet, you can always find a caster/cast them yourself using gas checks. Might be surprised with proper sizing and lube, that "soft" lead 158 grain bullets can be driven to any practical .38 Special velocity and perform well. Other propellants can give you actual numbers similar to above safely, but you might seriously consider Power Pistol.