cast bullet defense loads?
- Thread starter JeepGeeek
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fireflyfather
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- Oct 22, 2006
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As has been mentioned, a big flat point on the end of the bullet is almost as good as a hollowpoint. It's also a lot easier to make, and less "scary" if you have to deal with a jury. SWC, TC, RNFP, or Wadcutter bullet shapes are all fine, provided they have a wide meplat (flat surface on the front of the bullet). Round nose bullets tend to noodle their way through only temporarily displacing tissue, and deflecting off of bone. Not very effective for stopping a threat.
For my money, if you are sticking to a flat point, non-hollowpoint, you don't have to go with super soft alloy. Wheel weights are probably fine for these bullet types. I'd shoot them at moderate velocities, somewhere between 800-1000 fps. Anything beyond that is recoil that doesn't improve stopping power (until you get to magnum pistol velocities), with an added dose of overpenetration (if that worries you).
For my money, if you are sticking to a flat point, non-hollowpoint, you don't have to go with super soft alloy. Wheel weights are probably fine for these bullet types. I'd shoot them at moderate velocities, somewhere between 800-1000 fps. Anything beyond that is recoil that doesn't improve stopping power (until you get to magnum pistol velocities), with an added dose of overpenetration (if that worries you).
armoredman
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I use JHP for SD, but I wouldn't feel terrible using my cast 124 LRN in the 9mm if I absolutely had to - because at that point, the alternative would be harsh language! It's an accurate bullet in an accurate gun.
ds/ks
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I've used Lee hp molds in 44 240gr & 357 158gr. Alloyed 20:1. I took a doe with the 44 bullet. It broke the near shoulder and came to rest under far side hide. Load: 11.5gr Herco approx. m.v. 1100fps. Bullet didn't mushroom, but was distorted and contorted. No tracking. DRT.
The 38/357 mold produces a bullet with much deeper and wider cavity. I have not hunted with it. I have water tested it, and it produced the classic mushroom.
All my practice bullets I cast at home. I hunt with jacketed and cast. My house, truck, and carry guns are all loaded with factory rounds.
The 38/357 mold produces a bullet with much deeper and wider cavity. I have not hunted with it. I have water tested it, and it produced the classic mushroom.
All my practice bullets I cast at home. I hunt with jacketed and cast. My house, truck, and carry guns are all loaded with factory rounds.
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