Lead vs Jacketed bullets

[EddieCav]

My name's Eddie and I'm a new kid on the block! Has anyone done, or heard (reliably) about loading jacketed bullets with BP? I reload .45 Colt and .45-70 black powder, lead bullets; and .45 Colt smokeless. I ask this question because I have a lot of Hornady jacketed bullets and was wondering if they are shootable with black powder, or does the copper jacket make them incompatible?
I just wanna know before I screw up and blow myself up !!!

 

[Hanshi]

Welcome to the forum, Eddie. I've never tried it and I can't vouch for the results but black powder was used in some bolt (I think, bolt) rifles prior to the smokeless era. I don't know what the procedure would be as far as any lube but I'd think you wouldn't need it with jacketed. Right off hand I can't swear to the specific rifles or calibers but it has been done. This was the military and Europe. Maybe someone can fill in the blanks on this.

 

[rcmodel]

Probably can.
Probably shouldn't.
Black powder loads traditionally always used lead bullets.

Jacketed bullets were only invented after that new fangled smokeless powder came on the scene in the late 1800's, and they found lead bullets couldn't stand the higher velocity attainable with it.

You get higher bore friction with jacketed bullets, and I suppose it is possible the "bump" from the BP exploding could possible fail to keep the jacketed bullet moving down a long barrel?

Plus, more importantly, the soft grease lube used with lead bullets help a bunch to keep the black powder fouling at bay.

I must admit however, that I am far from an expert on black powder firearms, or loads.

rc

 

[Steve C]

Most people shoot lead as its more traditional and a lot less expensive. Jacketed bullets can be used and if you add a greased wad under them it will help soften the BP fouling and act like a lubed bullet. BP substitutes actually work better with jacketed bullets than true black as they usually foul a lot less.

With Lead bullets use bullets lubed with SPG lube formulated for Black Powder.

When loading with BP use a powder measure designed for black powder that has a brass drop tube and no parts of steel or other components that could generate a static electricity spark. A hopper full of BP is a bomb while smokeless would only burn if ignited. Bullets must be seated to compress the powder and keep it compressed so use a good crimp.

 

[EddieCav]

Good morning, Steve. Thanks for the reply. For the record, no jacketed bullet ever goes into my '58 Remington!! Some things just shouldn't be tolerated! LOL
I haven't loaded any jacketed bullets yet with BP or Pyrodex ..... just wanted to find out a little more about it before I possibly ruined a gun OR myself.
The Remington gets 250gr lead, backed up with 37gr FFFg. My .45-70 gets 405gr lead, 70gr FFg (drop tube).

 

[EddieCav]

Good morning RC ....... Like the response "Probably Can. Probably shouldn't." I think I'll make a sign with that on it and hang it over my loading bench. Thanks for the information !!