Beginner; Jacketed or Lead ??
- Thread starter CPLofMARINES
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CPLofMARINES
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Thank you everyone for your wealth of knowledge as
Always!!
Always!!
engineermike
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I subscribe to the old school, that you don't know whats wrong with it until you use it. Both bullets come with some problems but that is half the fun of reloading, and that is working up a load and making your adjustments as you go. I used to load only plated bullets but then the "Big Scare" hit and lead was all I could either buy or afford. I like both but glad I took the time to work with lead.
zxcvbob
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There is no reason not to use lead in .38 and .44 Special. You can make a good argument either way on the .357 and .44 Magnums.
Lead has obvious drawbacks in terms of exposure, whereas a plated bullet will expose you to considerably less lead. A true jacketed bullet still has an exposed rear though. Pretty much any indoor facility will not let you use lead bullets, and some are as strict as to require CMJ or plated bullets. If you're truly worried about your lungs though, be advised that discharging a gun puts more than just lead dust into the air. You also shouldn't smoke or go to bars either. I'd imagine that's got to be worse than anything firearm related.
As for barrel wear, the cost of a new barrel is going to be insignificant compared to what you will have spent on components to load rounds for the gun, whether you used lead bullets, plated, or jacketed.
Loading lead bullets isn't much more trouble than plated or jacketed. You'll have to work up the load just like you would with any bullet, and check your barrel for lead as you go up. Once you find the sweet spot, you won't see any leading. Other than that, all the standard rules apply. So load whatever you can find or whatever you can afford. If you run into trouble, we can help.
As for barrel wear, the cost of a new barrel is going to be insignificant compared to what you will have spent on components to load rounds for the gun, whether you used lead bullets, plated, or jacketed.
Loading lead bullets isn't much more trouble than plated or jacketed. You'll have to work up the load just like you would with any bullet, and check your barrel for lead as you go up. Once you find the sweet spot, you won't see any leading. Other than that, all the standard rules apply. So load whatever you can find or whatever you can afford. If you run into trouble, we can help.
gamestalker
member
I'm not intending to knock the use of lead. I was just addressing some of the most common obstacles that are encountered. I have never personally loaded lead, but I have shot a good deal of it prior to ever taking up reloading, to which I found personally undesirable. And, I think it's pretty evident regarding the regular stream of questions and issues that reach this forum in this regard, that it can be a bit challenging in comparison to loading jacketed. And yes, until one has figured it out, they do complain of heavy leading problems, and difficulty trying to determine what data applies to the vast array of lead projectiles. It is also recommended to slug the barrel in order to know what diameter bullet is best suited for a particular firearm. Just more work than I care to indulge in, but lead still remains the most used projectile by reloaders, hands down.
And although some jacketed bullets, not all, do have an exposed lead base, they don't leave lead fouling in the barrel, ever, and they are loaded with standard jacketed data.
There is nothing wrong with lead, I just don't personally care for the degree of work up and research required, or the excessive smoke, and yes, lead deposits that can be problematic.
But from a positive point of view, lead bullets have some of the most lethal potential when using the right projectile and powder combination. I think the Kieth is a fine example of how well a lead projectile can perform, an obvious winner in my opinion.
Load what you want. This is a hobby with something for everyone.
GS
And although some jacketed bullets, not all, do have an exposed lead base, they don't leave lead fouling in the barrel, ever, and they are loaded with standard jacketed data.
There is nothing wrong with lead, I just don't personally care for the degree of work up and research required, or the excessive smoke, and yes, lead deposits that can be problematic.
But from a positive point of view, lead bullets have some of the most lethal potential when using the right projectile and powder combination. I think the Kieth is a fine example of how well a lead projectile can perform, an obvious winner in my opinion.
Load what you want. This is a hobby with something for everyone.
GS
I looked at it different way. Average 3c cost difference between lead and plated/fmj will transfer to $360/year if you shoot 1000 rounds a month.
To me it makes sense to load lead as I can buy new gun every year with those savings
For my current IDPA gun (HK P7) I have to use FMJ/plated but for everything else I'm going to "deal" with lead problems.
To me it makes sense to load lead as I can buy new gun every year with those savings
For my current IDPA gun (HK P7) I have to use FMJ/plated but for everything else I'm going to "deal" with lead problems.
Look at post #4. http://www.biggamehunt.net/forum/lead-rifle-bullets-relic-past
Here is a lead bullet after hitting a moose shoulder breaking it, and it still mushroomed perfectly.
I find the savings and accuracy of lead in a handgun completely worth it. I load lead in my .44 Magnum with a Dillon 550B. Nothing special about it really.
Here is a lead bullet after hitting a moose shoulder breaking it, and it still mushroomed perfectly.
I find the savings and accuracy of lead in a handgun completely worth it. I load lead in my .44 Magnum with a Dillon 550B. Nothing special about it really.
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