Lead Bullets in an M1 Carbine

[Husker_Fan]

Not sure if this is the best spot, or the reloading forum, but here goes.

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 bras for reloading. It would be nice to be able to use cast bullets, but only if they will work well with the gun.

Thanks

 

[Tommygunn]

The idea is that the lead will plug the hole where the gas feeds off to activate the short stroke tappet that drives the M-1 carbine action.
Using lead bullets is not something I would do in my carbine, but OTOH others have done it.
Not sure, but I believe the ammo loaded with lead bullets was loaded light which ameliorates the problem .... but I am not sure my memory is accurate about this.

 

[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

 

[SaxonPig]

I have shot small amounts of hard cast lead in my M1 Carbines without any problems... so far. I think using HARD bullets reduces the chance of gumming things up.

 

[ulflyer]

The problem I found was not knowing if the bullets i had obtained were "hard lead". If not, the wisdom I found from others was not to load them much over 1600 fps to minimize leading. I did this but found the accuracy horrible. Not only that, but I could push cleaning rags thru the bore till I was blue in the face before it came clean. My goal in the beginning was to minimize expense by using lead. Then I ordered a batch of Berry's plated and boy what a difference. Good accuracy, easy to clean. Sold me; no more lead. Got some if you want em; can ship in postal box for $4.95. If interested, PM me and I'll check to see how about how many, i'm guessing 300 or so, and come up with cheap price, say $15 shipped.

 

[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

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

 

[dfariswheel]

I shot a lot of lead bullets through Carbines, but I used bullets with gas checks on the back end.
This allows pushing them faster without leading up the bore.

 

[M2 Carbine]

I shot a lot of lead bullets through Carbines, but I used bullets with gas checks on the back end.
This allows pushing them faster without leading up the bore

Same here.

I've been shooting lead bullets through my carbines, including full auto, since 1961 and never had a problem. In fact as a rule a good lead gas check bullet is more accurate than the FMJ.

I would bet that the same lead bullet that would interfere with the gas system is probably leading up the barrel also.

 

[Husker_Fan]

Thanks for the input. I'm going to pick up some bulk Remington ammo and save the brass. I figured it works out the the same price as buying virgin brass and loading it once. I'll probably give the plated bullets a try then.

 

[MichaelK]

Buy bullets? What a strange idea! I make Lyman's 130 grain 311410, and that's all I shoot now in my M1C. It's made with Lyman alloy #2 and I get excellent accuracy and little leading.

 

[jcwit]

Maybe Husker Fan is not set up for casting at this time yet?