Lead and copper in same session?

[Caimlas]

I overheard at the range the other day that it's not a good idea to shoot copper jacketed (and coated?) bullets after shooting lead bullets (before a cleaning) because the lead build-up in the barrel (potentially) causes dangerously high pressure levels. This was in the context of pistols.

Is there any validity in this? Or is it urban legend? Would it apply to rifles?

 

[cold dead hands]

mixing metals

Well, all I can tell you is that I alternate FMJ with lead in my mags and I do not not have a leading problem because the following copper jacket clears any lead from the previous round, but I only do this at outdoor ranges due to the fact that there is an increased risk of lead dust inhalation.

It is true that long lead only shooting sessions require cleaning before using copper jacket rounds again because the lead will build up an pressures can spike to high levels with the FMJ bullet trying squeeze through a pipe that is smaller than intended. this rule especially applies to revolvers when shooting shorter than full size rounds (.38 spc in .357 or .44 spc in .44 mag or any other mixed size caliber combo) because the cylinder get leaded and carbon caked. People have literally blown up cylinders by not following these rules.

hope that helps.

 

[Dave R]

Before I discovered that Titegroup powder causes my (previously) favorite Laser Cast bullets to lead my .45, I had loaded a couple hundred of them.

I developed a new load using plated bullets (Berry's) that does not lead.

But I'm too cheap to throw away 200 loaded rounds. And I'm too lazy to use an impact puller 200 times.

I had read several threads arguing about lead/copper. Some experienced shooters said they do end a lead session with plated or jacketed bullets, and it does reduce leading. Thought I'd try it. Figured that plated bullets would not cause as much pressure as jacketed, and I wouldn't shoot more than 50 lead before shooting plated.

Seemed to work fine. The bore cleaned much easier than before, and there were no pressure signs on the brass/primers. That is not conclusive, but I'll be doing it again.

 

[2ndamd]

+1
If I am shooting lead bullets I always finish off the shooting session with some copper jacketed stuff. It seems to clear some of the lead out. But, I have not tested it to a degree of gaining empirical evidence.

 

[gazpacho]

There is a small kernal of truth there, but I'd only be concerned with seriously high pressure ammo, or enough lead to completely hide the lands and grooves. Your accuracy will go completely to crap long before you have to worry about KBooms.

 

[LHB1]

I have a FIRM rule that the barrel MUST be cleaned with brass brush and bore solvent before switching from jacketed bullets to lead bullets or vice versa. Have followed this rule since I started reloading/shooting cast lead bullets in 1963 with no problems and will continue to do so. YMMV

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

 

[Walkalong]

Many people shoot jacketed after lead with no problems, but they are not letting the lead build up a lot. I would not do it in a real nice accurate gun just in case, because it has to be a little bit harder on the barrel, I would think. I would not hesitate to do it in a "blaster" though.