Need source for cast bullets

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CZRyan

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Oct 12, 2005
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So Calif
I need a cheap source for cast lead bullets. I am currently loading KEAD bullets but they are so hard that they don't go through the factory crimp die easy. I load for 40S&W. I would prefer moly coated to cut down on the smoke but plain lead would be fine. Kead sells 1000 180gr tc for ~$64 and $9 shipping. I just would find the best price on the web, any sugestions??

Thanks in advance
CZRyan
 
HOLY COW!!!!!!! You can shoot good jacketed bullets for about the same price as your lead. Do a websearch on Ghost Holster and look at the Zero bullets there. I paid $72 per thousand for 40 cal 180jhp last time........

Oh, and get rid of that FCD, get an Undersized die. A TON safer.
 
My mistake

I should have said 1000 for ~$34 and $7.70 shipping. Shipping goes up a little if you buy 2000 because he get insurance for the box.....but total shipping is only $9 ....not bad for 60# of lead.

What is wrong with the fac. crimp die ? I have loaded about 2k rounds and haven't had a problem. Of course, this could be that I am down-loading 40S&W to just make IDPA power factor in SSP. (3.4gr of win 231, 180gr tc)

CZRyan
 
It may not be the bullet

I got a fcd a while back,and it is very hard to plush the bullets though sometimes. I put a post on a board or two and some folks said theres did the same thing,and some said no problem at all.I think qc on the dies might be part of it,and brass thickness can vary when running a batch too,and some go through easier than others.I'd get a 'test sample' of bullets from a supplier to try it before buying a 'ton' of 'em.
I shoot,and like, Bearcreek molys. www.bearcreeksupply.com
 
What is wrong with the FCD? If it is giving you resistance as it passes over the bullet it is sizing the bullet. Lead has virtually no elastic memory, meaning when squeezed it will stay smaller. Brass has quite a bit of elastic memory, meaning when the die releases it there will be some springing back toward the original dimension. With the bullet smaller and the case not as much smaller case tension is lowered. Lower case tension means setback is more likely than if you hadn't used the FCD, and 40 is EXTREMELY intolerant of setback. Blown cases and such can ruin your day if not your gun.
 
http://northeastbullet.com/

Good prices, quick shipping, good bullets for the price, consistent size and consistent weight.

I wouldn't order there moly coated bullets (moly on top of wax lube) I don't think it offers many benefits other than more smoke and it gets moly all over everything. There lubed bullets are a good value.
 
I just ordered MasterCast bullets. Price-wise they're about the same as Kead. I'll be trying them out this weekend. They measure out fine and look good, just don't know how the'll shoot yet. I bought 2000 RNFPs 200 grn for something like $81 (shipped).
Bronson7
 
http://www.precisionbullets.com

I just picked up 2000 230gn 45ACP bullets for $118 shipped. Great bullets, very little smoke and no leading. I placed the order on a Monday, and Friday morning the mailman was bitching at me about the heavy package I received! ;)
 
Wow!! Thanks

Wow!! Thanks for all the replies in such a short time.

Ok, where to start.... I just got back from loading and shooting the Bear Creek stuff and in general I like it. Loads great (the little buggers are so slipery they are hard to pick up) they go through the dies just fine. They measure exactly the same as the KEAD bullets (I'd bet they use the same mold manufac.). They don't smoke which is a plus. But they leave my gun dirty(so do the KEAD's but not as bad). The local range sells them for almost the same as you can get them on the net $28/500, twice as much as the KEAD bullets but far easier to load.

I left a message at NorthEastern bullets, inquiring about sample packs. Have not received a reply yet. They do have the second best price I have found so far. But after going over their site, why would you want to have moly coated & lubed bullets for pistol? Wouldn't the moly be enough? Bear Creek thinks so. I wanted a moly coat to eliminate the smoke. Anyone enlighten me??

I will check out the other sugestions as soon as I can.

Thanks Guys!!

CZRyan
 
First, what gun are you shooting these out of? No lead in factory Glock barrels, please--helps prevent kaBooms.

Second, check out Montana Gold bullets. Jacketed bullets at near the price of cast.

Third, why not cast your own?
 
The gun

I'm using a CZ75B in 40S&W and just got a XD service in 40S&W. There does not seem to be a problem shooting lead from these. I shoot mostly steel and just getting started in IDPA, both in SSP.

I don't cast my own because I don't think my apartment manager would like me melting lead on the balcony :) and I barely have time to reload what I have. In fact I would love a fully progressive press right now. Just dump the parts in, and out come compleated rounds. Just cant afford it right now.

CZRyan
 
If you're shooting IDPA, the Precision Bullets are coated and don't produce the smoke of lubed lead bullets. Think about 5 to the body and one to the head, what could you see with your current load? Give them a try and you'll stop looking.
 
I don't run a 40SW, but have used a lot of the Bear Creek stuff in 9, 38/357, and 45. Never had a problem with them, but yeah, they are slippery! I saw the note about lead and Glocks. I run nothing but lead through my M19 & M30. I'd heard of a blow up on a Glock in 40SW, but that they were shooting dead-soft lead. It apparently built up at the front of the chamber, and the gun was then fired with the slide just barely out of battery. I just shoot hard bullets and clean regularly. No signs of any buildup in the chamber/barrel.

As far as them leaving your gun dirty, I've never had that problem. In fact, the gun seems to clean really quickly and easily with the moly-coats. Maybe it's a powder issue?
 
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