leading barrel

[Dead Eye Duck]

how much do cast bullets lead up a barrel and how do you keep the barrel clean. First time I have ever loaded cast lead bullets. In a 45-70 with 405 grain cast lubed bullets with a low load of trail boss powder. So the load is not high velocity and bullets are lubed so does that keep lead buildup low

 

[forty_caliber]

I've never had much of a problem with leading. I've fired many thousands of 230gr LRN out of both .45acp and .45 colt. One old school solution to the problem is to fire a jacketed round or two after you finish with the lead rounds.

.40

 

[tightgroup tiger]

In a 45-70 with 405 grain cast lubed bullets with a low load of trail boss powder. So the load is not high velocity and bullets are lubed so does that keep lead buildup low

Not necessarily, if the loads are to low for the hardness of the bullet, it can still lead your barrel because the base of the bullet isn't getting bumped out so it seals the bore.
Hot gasses may get past the sides of the bullet and that will cause leading.

If your getting leading in your barrel with your load, Try loading up hotter to see if that helps seal the bore up more.

 

[JJFitch]

I have zero experience with 45-70 however from what I've read right here it's mostly about proper bullet to barrel fit.

Based on my experience casting and reloading lead for over 35 years I have to agree. I clean my barrels with a rolled up paper towel!

If you get leading help is right here!

Smiles,

 

[Obturation]

Too many variables. Bore size VS bullet diameter, bullet hardness , type of lube all are factors. The main thing is having a properly sized bullet. If you get some leading it can be easily removed with a COPPER (ensure its copper) scrub pad- like chore boy. Leading isn't a big deal , some guys freak out about it. If accuracy is consistent just worry about it when that changes.


ETA: I get no leading at all in my 45-70 with 405 grain trailboss loads, that's with laser cast bullets (which are way too hard) . I use this bullets up to about 1500 fps with no problem, they are properly sized . I have some MBC 405 gn bullets that are hi-tek coated (like powder coat) that I've driven harder and haven't had any trouble either. Lead is the best.

 

[fxvr5]

Here is information and advice from the professionals;

Some causes of leading:
https://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial/ammunition_st_lowdownleadfoul_201002/99962

Do not try to shoot the lead out with a jacketed bullet:
https://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial/ammunition_st_lowdownleadfoul_201002/99962

Use a proper method for removing lead:
https://www.ssusa.org/articles/2017/6/26/how-to-clean-tough-lead-deposits-from-your-barrel

 

[Tallinar]

I don't really have anything to add that hasn't already been said. @Obturation said it all, really.

The only guns I have ever had any leading issues with have been revolvers, owing to sizing differences between chamber throats and bore diameter (nature of the beast with revolvers, unfortunately). I've personally never had leading problems in a rifle or automatic pistol, as long as the bullet is not undersized.

Bullet size is definitely the biggest key. Next priority is probably to match bullet hardness to your loads. To keep it simple, softer loads calls for softer lead, and stronger loads call for stronger lead. If the bullet is too hard, it will fail to obturate (i.e. to have the base of the bullet expand when the gas pushes it), which can cause poor contact with the rifling, thereby allowing hot gases to escape past the bullet, thereby soldering lead from the sides of the bullet to the rifling as the bullet passes.

General rule is that you want a lead bullet to be .001-.002 larger than your bore diameter. Most likely, your rifle's bore diameter will be in the neighborhood of.4575 and .458, which means a .459 bullet will be ideal, and is what you'll find most commonly sold. If your bore happens to be a little bit wider, than a .460 bullet may be more appropriate.

My experience with .45-70 and lead echo's what @Obturation shared. I've never experienced leading problem with any of the .45-70's I've had, pretty much regardless of what bullets I've used. I've pretty much only ever loaded 405 gr and 500 gr RNFP of various hardnesses, using anything from Trail Boss to moderate loads with 4198, and everything has worked great.

Good luck! Once you go lead, you will likely see no reason to go back.

 

[Steelworker]

Do you have the lead bullets already?

If not, order powder coated bullets. Leading, if any, will be very minimal.

 

[Walkalong]

how much do cast bullets lead up a barrel and how do you keep the barrel clean.

Anywhere from zero to badly. Fit the bullet size to the gun, the alloy to the pressure/speed, enough of the right lube.

Or buy coated and get the first two close enough.

 

[frankmako]

slug the barrel to see what size of bullet you need.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

Read this. If you have any questions after reading, ask them.
http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell_Book_Chapter_7_Leading.htm

 

[mdi]

I have been casting, reloading and shooting lead bullets since about '90. I have worked out my barrel leading problems and the single most important factor is bullet to gun fit. I have fired my cast bullets in my 357 Magnum to 1,200+ fps with no leading (Lachmiller 160 gr SWC of about 12 BHN). My 44 Magnums often go 1,400 fps in my Puma with very little/no leading (240 gr RNFP). But the bullets fit the guns...

 

[Vern Humphrey]

A very simple trick is to take the bullet you want to load and drop it into the chamber. Does it fall through? If so, you need a bigger bullet. If it hangs up, but you can push it through, it's just right.

Now insert the bullet into the barrel. Is it a tight fit -- tighter than it was in the chamber throat? If so, you have the proper sized bullet.

I like to powder coat these days -- and with powder coating and a properly sized bullet, the leading problem is cured.

 

[Catpop]

Number one rule- Fit is King!
.358 is a leading disaster in my .357 RBH.
I use .002 to .003 oversize in my .357 RBH to produce minimal to no leading.
I conventual lube b/c it works and I like lots of smoke!
I am also able to push brn 7 172 swc to 1300 fps with no leading.