Lead (Missouri Bullets) In A Rifle

[steve4102]

I've been shooting and handloading most of my life, but I have never loaded a "Lead" bullet. I was looking through Missouri Bullet's web page and came across some 115gr and 135gr .309 lead bullets.

I was wondering if these could be loaded in my Ruger Mini-30 (.308 bore)? I asked this same question of MB, but I didn't get any response, so I'm asking you guys. Can these be loaded in a 7.62x39 without issues and how fast can they be pushed?

Thanks

 

[Remo-99]

GC'ed, hardcast lead(92-6-2) bullets can be pushed as hard as the 7.62x39 can push them.
Though if they're for a semi-auto consideration of the bullet profile plays a role for that round.
I've got a Lee mold designed in the configuration of the 7.62x39 and they feed nicely, some other mold makers also do similar profiles.
I'm not sure which merchant casters do that style though.

 

[Remo-99]

If your specifically asking about non-GasChecked, flat based hardcast bullets then velocities are limited to around 1400-1600fps before leading becomes a problem.
And at those velocities it's unlikey that lighter weight bullets will function the action, lead bullet weights in the range of ~155-160gr are a better choice.

 

[MissouriBullet]

I've been shooting and handloading most of my life, but I have never loaded a "Lead" bullet. I was looking through Missouri Bullet's web page and came across some 115gr and 135gr .309 lead bullets.

I was wondering if these could be loaded in my Ruger Mini-30 (.308 bore)? I asked this same question of MB, but I didn't get any response, so I'm asking you guys. Can these be loaded in a 7.62x39 without issues and how fast can they be pushed?

Thanks

I guess I missed your question. Sorry!

Those bullets should work fine in your Mini. I shoot the 115 grain M1 Carbine bullet in my Kahr carbine with 12 grains 2400 with good results and low leading.

Apparently Marlin-style microgroove bores need a larger diameter and I am investigating whether we need to offer a larger sizing then .309 for those rifles. Haven't decided on .310 or .311 yet.

Again, I am sorry that I missed your earlier question. I do try to be responsive but sometimes things fall through the cracks.

Brad

 

[steve4102]

Those bullets should work fine in your Mini. I shoot the 115 grain M1 Carbine bullet in my Kahr carbine with 12 grains 2400 with good results and low leading.

What is the max velocity of these bullets? 2400 is to fast for the Mini, it will not cycle the action.

 

[MissouriBullet]

What is the max velocity of these bullets? 2400 is to fast for the Mini, it will not cycle the action.

Steve, I don't know what the max is. I'm shooting them at around 1800. I just mentioned the load I was using for the carbine without trying to recommend a particular powder for your use.

 

[Randal45]

I've been paper-patching MB 230 45 SoftBall bullets for my 45/70. I wrap them in two layers of tracing paper then size them to 0.458" I use 52grns of H4895. They are minute-of-deer accurate for me in my NEF 45/70.

I think that I am going to order some of the 300grn 0.452 Missouri Bullets and paper-patch them too. Hopefully, they will work well enough to fill my freezer with deer meat next year.

 

[MissouriBullet]

I've been paper-patching MB 230 45 SoftBall bullets for my 45/70. I wrap them in two layers of tracing paper then size them to 0.458" I use 52grns of H4895. They are minute-of-deer accurate for me in my NEF 45/70.

I think that I am going to order some of the 300grn 0.452 Missouri Bullets and paper-patch them too. Hopefully, they will work well enough to fill my freezer with deer meat next year.

Randal, we can easily make those for you in our softer (12 BHN) alloy to get a bit better performance from your low pressure loads. Just something to keep in mind.

 

[atlanticfire]

Randal, we can easily make those for you in our softer (12 BHN) alloy

You guys are just awesome!

 

[MissouriBullet]

It's really no problem. We do have the 4 casters and usually one of them isn't in use, so it's no big deal to slap in a mould set, drop in the right alloy, and run a few thousand. But thank you for the nice thought!

 

[Shoney]

I've cast and shot hundreds of bullets equivalent to MB's Cowboy #6, .313 Diameter, in 30-06 using 15 gr Al-8 (forerunner of Blue Dot).

 

[Randal45]

Thanks! I'll give it a try!