Cast Lead in an M1 Carbine

[Husker_Fan]

Tried this in the rifle forum and thought it would fit here too.

I am getting an M1 carbine and have a question about feeding it. I have read warnings about using lead bullets in gas operated semi-autos before, but it looks like a lot of folks use cast bullets for their M1 carbines.

Is there something about the design that allows this, or do you just have to be careful about cleaning more often? Should I just stick with jacketed/plated bullets?

I figure I'll pick up a bulk order of brass .30 carbine ammo and keep the brass for reloading. It would be nice to be able to use cast bullets, but only if they will work well with the gun.

Thanks

 

[cheygriz]

I've done it successfully. But you really need to clean the gas port often!

 

[USSR]

The beauty of the M1 Carbine is that, since the velocity is < 2,000fps, you can use full power cast bullet loads with the right alloy. While there is the occasional carbine that will lead up the gas system, most do not. I've put hundreds thru mine without problems.

Don

 

[Travis Two]

I use the .30 carbine 115 gr bullets from www.pennbullets.com The 20+ BHN alloy does very well with almost no fouling and 2400 powder.

 

[jcwit]

I shoot the Lee 311-100-2R cast bullet that I cast myself. I use my own lube consisting of parafine, auto wax, alox, & bees wax. Bullets are sized .310. Powder is 4227 12.5 grains.

I have shot literally 10's of thousands of these lead bullets out of my carbine. I've yet to need to clean the gas system, actually I seldom clean the barrel as I have no leading and get good accuracy 2 inches at 100 yds. I have more of a problem with powder residue in the bolt area, but tear down is simple and clean up is simple also.

Hope this helps
jcwit

 

[FROGO207]

I have had good luck with the Oregon Trail Laser Cast lead bullets in my M1 carbines. For some reason Midway has stopped carrying them recently I think. I will have to try Some of those from Pen Bullets next time I need them.

 

[greyling22]

over at castboolits they are of the opinion that you need to keep the velocities down around the 1500 fps mark, or at least well under 2000 with a hard bullet if you're not using a gas check, and if you do that with a 110 or 115 grn bullet you don't always get enough of that equal and opposite reaction to cycle the action correctly. Their custom 6 cavity mold is a 120 grn round nose. I've got one that runs quite nicely at 1550 fps with a straight linotype alloy and lee alox lube. I'm using 11.4 grns of H110

 

[threefeathers]

I gave up on lead loads for my carbines and have gone to purchasing 110 fmj in bulk. I use H110 powder and stick to standard velocity. However I might try some of the loads given here just for giggles.

 

[USSR]

The key to shooting cast bullets in the .30 Carbine is: cast them hard (use some linotype or water-quench some straight wheel weight alloy), size them at .310" or .311", and use a suitable powder (not H110 or W296) such as 2400. Just MHO.

Don

 

[Maj Dad]

Go For It

I've shot a million 120 gr RCBS RNGCs out of my carbines, but I narrowed the field to one of the three so that they all didn't get gunked up. I have a Blue Sky NPM with a Marlin bbl that I use for lead loads and it eats them with aplomb. I use W296 (the original carbine powder, developed for it, around 14 gr, I think) and WC 820 and it shoots great with no leading at all. 2400 works fine, but seems to leave too much unburned powder for me; I save it for shotguns & 06/30-40/8mm/303 lead loads now. For alloy I use either WWs with a little tin added and quenched, or linotype, sized 309 and generally use Hdy gc's. From time to time I take the gas piston nut out to really clean it well (and Loctite it back) but I use Prestone brake cleaner to blow it out in between. Spray some lube du jour on it after the Loctite is dry and you're back in business. Mind you shooting lead bullets in any semi is going to increase fouling and cleaning times - expect it and put on your Nikes & deal with it. I take it out of the wood, field strip it and slop on whatever solvent I'm using (usu #9 or GI surplus), clean the snot out of it, wipe it well, oil it up and go reload some more... Now that it's cold, I will cast enough to last through summer, and size/lube/GC as I get the inclination. One thing about leaving lead bullets is that they tend to harden over time (up to year or so). Spend some time on CastBoolits forum for lots of poop on lead - invaluable source.
Cheers, and deepest regrets for rambling on
George J.