Cast Lead 95 gr. bullet in 9mm

[johndeeere1979]

Can i use the same load for a 95 grain lead as it calls for a FMJ? If not how can a figure out the differance. It call for 6.4 gr of unique

 

[evan price]

Most manufacturers recommend reduced loads when choosing cast lead over FMJ type bullets.
THis is because the lead bullet is softer and needs less force to propel it thorugh the barrel, and also to keep velocities down to prevent leading the barrel.

In my experience if you are using a hard alloy (Brinell 21 or so, typically 90/8/2 alloy) you won't have leading problems at normal mid-range FMJ loads. If you can scratch the lead slug with your fingernail it is not hard enough IMHO.
The rule of thumb is drop the charge 10% for lead over a comparable FMJ bullet. This is a good place to start, and you can increase your loads slowly and see if you get leading.

I load hardcast bullets at 100% of FMJ load data and do not get significant leading. Your mileage may vary.

 

[Walkalong]

evan is right. The only problem you might have is leading at the higher velocities. Many load books lead loads stop at velocities which are not prone to leading, and not pressure like they do with jacketed.

 

[tkcomer]

My Lyman Cast Bullet Book calls for 5.0-6.8grs of Unique for the 92gr bullet.

 

[Grandpa Shooter]

something as light as 95 g would normally be used in .380 casings. You might want to step up to a heavier bullet like 115g. Not sure why you would want to use it in a nine.

 

[rcmodel]

+1

You will very possibly run into leading problems with that light of a bullet in the 9mm before you get the gun to cycle.

You will have to really bump the velocity up to get the gun to function, and could easily exceed the velocity where leading will rear it's ugly head.

6.4 Unique will be pushing 1,300 FPS with a lead 95 grain bullet, and thats getting into gas-check territory.


rcmodel

 

[luckylogger6]

I ran into this problem a few months ago when I was given a few thousand 95gr lead bullets and tried to load them for my 9mm. My solution was to buy a .380.

 

[johndeeere1979]

that is why i was going to load them i have 1200 95 grain bullets.