Lead or brass for target ammo?

[neededausername]

What is best for competition shooting, lead or brass ammunition? I was out with my BIL at a .22 competition and he was complaining that I had lead ammo and it was fouling the barrel. He is a much more experienced shooter than I am, but I thought lead was more accurate and better for the barrel. Any articles to back up your point would be appreciated.

 

[zxcvbob]

The best value in .22LR target ammo is CCI Mini-Mags, or CCI "Standard Velocity" if you are really good and need a little extra, or if you're recoil shy.

If I recall correctly, neither of those has a copper or brass coating, they have a clear waxy coating.

 

[Deavis]

you mean copper washed, not brass, right? A brass bullet would be pretty terrible for your bore. I shoot lead through my .22 and have never had an issue, but I clean it everytime I shoot it and rarely shoot over 250 rounds a sitting.

 

[Mt Shooter]

http://www.montanagoldbullet.com/

I believe these are brass jacketed bullets.

 

[Sunray]

"...believe these are brass jacketed bullets..." Nope. Coloured copper.
The only cast or lead bullet that will foul any barrel is one that is driven too fast. That won't happen with a .22 LR. Competitive shooters use whatever ammo works best in their firearm. Even shooters using high end target pistols.

 

[JesseL]

Shhhh, nobody tell Deavis about mild steel or cupronickel jackets.

needausername, I think you're correct about lead=accurate & dirty copper/brass washed=slightly less accurate & cleaner.

All the match .22lr ammo I've seen used plain lead bullets, so I'm guessing they're probably a little more consistent (read: accurate) than the copper or brass washed bullets.

The copper or brass washed bullets are probably a little cleaner, though I think it has to do with less lube being required than with leading.

 

[Starter52]

In my competition days every league target shooters used lead bullets. Copper-washed bullets were HV and used for hunting.

Sunray's right. We never had a problem with lead .22 bullets fouling the bore. It's a non-issue.