LaserCast experiences ?

[BigSlick]

Hi guys,

I have shot a lot of lead over the years and generally had typical results. Shoot a lot, clean a lot, deal with the leading as necessary.

About three weeks ago, I came into a couple of boxes of Laser Cast 230 RN. I used it initially to work up a practice load for myself and a couple of friends to go shooting, then for some very light loads for a CCW certification.

I went to the range today with 300 rnds loaded to duplicate factory ball (8.0gr AA#5 @ 1.260). At first, accuracy was pretty darned good, Avg. 836 fps, single digit SD, with ES of 19. I'm liking the hell out of that.

After a couple of hundred rounds accuracy started to wane slightly and spreads opened up to 35 SD with ES at 84, velocity avg 841, in the Commander. I shot two strings thru the P220 and the spreads were single digit SD and ES of 22.

I figured the barrel of the Commander was going to have a few serious skid marks, but when I got home and stripped it, there isn't a trace of leading - zero.

I loaded 500 in one session with the only pause being to reload primer tube and dump the catch tray. All components were identical in every round (WLP (all same lot number), Win brass on first reload). I checked powder drop every 20 rounds like always and found no more deviation than .1grain . I checked the remaining 200 and OAL is consistent on all with a deviation of +/- 2-3 thousandths. Crimps are dead nuts on at .471.

I detail stripped the Commander and everything looks normal, nothing worn, cracked or gummed up. The recoil and firing pin springs were replaced earlier this week, so I know they're fresh.

I weighed some of the remaining LaserCast bullets I have on hand (different box) and while they aren't ever going to be considered match grade, all are relatively uniform.

Any ideas why the accuracy and spreads went nuts in the last 100 rounds or so ? Any experience with LaserCast ? So far, I'm pretty happy with them, but they are the only component change from my std range load and I don't usually see performance change as much in the Commander with other bullets I've used.

Sometimes the spreads are higher, but usually consistent across an entire batch. One of my shooting buds thinks it might be related to the lube.

Thanks in advance for any comments about this. This is going to bug the hell out of me until I figure it out.

BigSlick

 

[MarshallDodge]

I have used LaserCast for 45ACP and 45LC with good results. Most of them were shot during cowboy action shoots so accuracy was not a real concern.

They are one of my favorite cast bullets and would be surprised if your issues are because of the bullet.

Primer and bullet seating, powder variation, and temperature can all have effects on your loads. With your velocity changing I am thinking temperature or powder variations could be your problem.

 

[NVMM]

I always try to get LaserCast or Meister bullets. Never had a leading problem in any caliber. Good stuff. I don't think lube is at fault. I was using AA5 like you but found it not so clean. HSMITH recommended I try Hodgdons Clays. What a difference. It's also much softer shooting. Never had a problem since.
If you nail this down let us know. Good luck

 

[Kurac]

I don't have a crono but I can tell you that the Oregon trail laser cast are the best cast lead bullets I have tried so far. I used to hate cleaning my revolvers due to lead build up but that is no a thing of the past.

 

[crackerjack]

After a couple of hundred rounds accuracy started to wane slightly and spreads opened up to 35 SD with ES at 84, velocity avg 841, in the Commander. If everything was the same , my first thought would be the barrel got hot?? That can change things .
Something to consider

 

[Bronson7]

Hey BigSlick, don't take offense, but have you considered that maybe you were getting tired? I know that sounds simplistic, but it happens to me and when it does, I pack up. Otherwise I might just as well grab my rounds and throw them at the target. Next time it happens take a break.
Bronson7

 

[MarshallDodge]

HSMITH recommended I try Hodgdons Clays. What a difference. It's also much softer shooting. Never had a problem since.
If you nail this down let us know. Good luck

I forgot to mention that I use Hogdon Clays also. Very clean stuff and muzzle flash is decent in a indoor range.

 

[Tang]

Laser Cast

I have used Laser Cast 200 gr SWC in .45 ACP with great success. My Wilson Combat CQB likes this round and I find to be very accurate. I would max out at 300 rounds on a range session, I have not noticed the groups opening up.

I do not notice the heavy leading in the barrel and the barrel is easy to clean. These bullets are not like the old lead of the late 1960's and early 1970's that I reloaded on a friend's reloading machine.

I will shoot more of this bullet without a second thought.