Need a 9mm cast bullet recommendation

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Goju

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I would like to get back into reloading to save my stock of factory ammo, and am looking for a recommendation for a vendor for a 9mm cast bullet for use in a Sig P6. I have a good amount of 231 and WSL on hand and would be using that.
My initial thought was to go with a 124 / 125 grain RN, but if a 115 ( or 147) would offer more reliable performance - that is my primary concern. Also, without slugging the barrel are there any thoughts on what diameter bullets to order (this is the only Sig pistol I've owned)

Laser Cast, Penn, Meister, Dardas, other...?

Thanks in advance!
 
I bought a boatload of Magnus 135 grain RN cast bullets a few years ago (back when they were cheap) from MidsouthShootersSupply.com I really like them; I don't know why that weight isn't more popular. Maybe because there is so little load data available, and there's not much load data because they are not popular, because there's no load data...

I've about used them all up, so will be switching soon to 120 or 125 grain Lee bullets that I cast myself.
 
Another vote for MBC here, unless you can cast your own which honestly isn't hard to do as I recently found out. Finding free/cheap lead is the hardest part.
 
Missouri Bullets are good. I have used them for 9mm and 38 special. I still use them in the 38, but I switched to another brand for 9mm that I am liking better for that application. They are one of the those black moly/poly coated type of bullets from an outfit called PrecisionBullets out of Kemp, Texas. Not to be confused with PrecisionDelta.

Coated bullets arent everone's cup of tea, but I enjoy them. Accuracy has been as good as anything, I use the 125 grainers. Smokiness seems to less. Barrel leading has not been a problem, though there may be some lube residue to clean up, no big deal. The bullets themselves are a pleasure to handle, not all gummy like conventional lubes. Virtually no lead exposure, if one is worried about such things. Oh, and they are concave base, instead of bevel base. Maybe it really doesnt matter, but I like to think I will get better obturation.

It has been a while since I have ordered from them, so I'm not sure what their current prices or delivery times are like. They used to be about the same price, maybe even a hair cheaper than Missouri. The times I have ordered I received my bullets in about a week.
 
I have been very happy with both Zero and Falcon bullets. Falcon sells direct at Falconbullets.com; Zero you have to get through a retailer like Powder Valley.
 
I would say slug your barrel so you don't get a shipment of bullets at are no good to you.

I would recommend bayou bullets they use HI tek supercoat which is what I use on my cast bullets and it seems to be the way of the future. No lube or anything to burn off so there is very little smoke and as long as they fit your barrel one patch will clean the unburnt powder out of the barrel. Donnie only sells green but if you cast ur own there is more colors available.

weights range for 105gr to 160gr so take ur pick.

http://www.bayoubullets.net/9mm.html
 
I say slug your barrel too. Its quick, easy and you only need to do it once. Just pick up some round lead fishing weights and you're good to go. If you find out that your barrel slugs .356 you'll need a bullet sized to .357.

MB has good bullets as well as http://www.snscasting.com/ and http://www.bootheelbullets.com/store.htm

I've bought a bit from SNS for my CZ Phantom (9mm slugged at .356) and they sized them to .357 for me as well. They've always taken VERY good care of me as a customer!
 
Thanks for all the recommendations and advice. The coated bullets from Precision and Bayou look very interesting, and MBC is apparently a "go-to" source. Looks like I am going to order from several vendors to compare performance.

What is the proper procedure for slugging a barrel?

Thanks again to all.
 
Here's how I slug a barrel. Get a soft piece of lead (can be a fishing sinker, but make sure it's lead). Grease it up. I used general automotive grease. Get as much grease on there as you can. The, with a non-marring mallet, tap that piece of lead into the bore through the muzzle.

Be careful with this, you don't want to ding up the crown. Then, with a brass rod, gently drive that piece of lead rest of the way through the barrel. I prefer not to use wood because it can splinter and cause a really bad day.

Once you drive it all the way through, you will want to pick it up, clean it off and examine it with some calipers. Notice the grooves on it? This is from the lands. Measure the other part (the widest part). This will tell you the bore diameter.

You want the cast bullet to be slightly larger than bore for better accuracy.
 
Any of the 124 - 125 styles from MB should do you fine.

http://www.missouribullet.com/result...=5&secondary=8

Your SIG P6 should be fine with .356" lead bullets.

rc
Click to expand...

Anudder vote for MBC.
I've been using their bullets for 5 years & only had 1 issue (which they more than fixed immediately)

Absolutely wonderful people to deal with & GREAT bullets too.
If your order's in before 2:30 or so, they usually ship the same day.

We sometimes think Brad & Joanne are psychic, they process the order BEFORE you send it in. ;)
 
SlowFuse said:
Slugging the barrel is always a good idea, but in the few Sigs I have .358s work well.
Click to expand...

This has been my experience too.

I was running a 105gr SWC in my German made P228 (Bore slugged at .3555) before I sold it, and the accuracy was much better with them sized to .358 instead of .356.

I think I actually have a few of those 105gr SWCs still sized at .356. I'd be willing to send you a dozen or so of each .356 and .358 and let you see what it prefers. PM me if you're interested.
 
SlowFuse said:
Slugging the barrel is always a good idea, but in the few Sigs I have .358s work well.
Click to expand...
Same here... My P226 (and my Beretta 92FS) have .357" bores so I get my MBC "smallball" sized to .358". No leading, very accurate.

Couldn't be happier.

.356" lead pills do cause some leading in my pistols.
 
To carry this question one step further, does anybody have an OAL they like with MBC's 124gr "small ball" round nose bullet?

I've been using 1.110, which puts the top of the grease groove just barely inside the case. I'd be curious to know if anyone is going shorter.
 
They have a strange ogive and most people have to load them shorter than other LRNs. Mine have to be 1.089-1.092 to pass the plunk test in my pistols. I don't load them hot. Very reliable and accurate in my pistols, except in my P.38 which doesn't like them. I run 115-124 grain ball/plated in it.
 
I've been using badman bullets 115gr for some time now and it has performed excellently out of the ruger sr9c I load them for. My buddies shield likes them too. Very little leading at a decent velocity.
 
For those who don't know yet, I am now producing a lead cast 115 grain 9mm. It may or may not be what you are looking for but I would love a chance to earn your business.
 
Buy a mold and make a few yourself..

Its interested in the very least and you can save a ton of money.
 
CountryUgly said:
Falcon Bullet Company is IMO the best cast boolit maker/supplier out there now. Their 115gr/124/147 have all preformed fantastic!
Click to expand...

I'm curious why you say that. Their prices are higher than Missouri Bullet. They dont offer different bullets in varying hardness as Missouri does either.
 
Zcast bullets, my sig has his link. Way cheaper than mbc and just as good of bullets. I shoot several thousand of his 9mms a year.
 
Certainly no shortage of options. Thanks for all the replies...Fractal X I pm'd you regarding your generous offer.
 
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