Shooting cast bullets in polygonal rifling

[Bmac1949]

What is the deal with shooting cast bullets in pistols with polygonal rifling? I've run about 500 rounds through my Makarov with no problems using bullets from MBC and I like the way they shoot. Is there any reason that I shouldn't be shooting lead through this pistol? Except for a little leading when I was developing the load I have have had no problems. Thanks

 

[Steve C]

I tried lead bullets out of my Glock 19 many years ago and they never did shoot as accurately as they did from conventional land and groove rifling found in my other 9mm's and not as good as jacketed bullets.

The bore also leaded pretty badly but the leading was difficult to see by simply holding it up to the light as it wasn't the usual rough looking lead deposits. Looking at the side of the bore at the muzzle the lead can be seen as grey deposits though. Being that the bullet is pushed through the multi sided and twisted bore the lead smeared more evenly to the bore and everything looked quite clean when looking down the bore at a light until taking a bronze brush and lead wipe cloth patch to it where you can see how much lead you are removing. I quit using lead bullets in my Glock which is my only gun with a polygonal rifling in the barrel. Your experience may vary.

 

[Galil5.56]

You mean CZ82?... BTW, ever get to shoot the Blue Dot 9x18 loads we discussed? Like any other cast bullet endeavor, sizing to groove diameter/to the barrel is key, and my CZ82 gets nothing but Mastercastbullets.com 93 grain LRN's sized .365". My gun slugs .3637", and I get zero leading regardless of load, many near/exceeding 1100 fps. Accuracy is absolutely stellar, function perfect, and the bore remains absolutely shiny w/o lead.

Like most leading problems, in my experience sizing is not good for the barrel used (along with poor lube and less so improper alloy), or the sizing gets ruined along the way during reloading. Poly barrels like any other can shoot lead just fine and safely, with accuracy equal to any other.

 

[ljnowell]

I have shot lead bullets out of my G21 since a short time after I bought it. No problems and good accuracy.

 

[Bmac1949]

Galil5.56. No I haven't had a chance to work that load up yet. It's still on my to-do list. I have it noted in my raloading manual and still have every intention of trying that load out for my Makarov. Actually 3.6gr Bullseye under a 93gr lead RN is no a bad combination for that pistol.
Bob

 

[fecmech]

I put about 3500 cast bullets through a Khar K9 with polygonal rifling. Loaded to factory jacketed velocities with no problems or leading and accuracy was excellent. Fit is king and you must size accordingly.

 

[ranger335v]

I shoot a 1911 and a friend has a Glock in .45. He shoots my cast bullet ammo quite well and with no leading at all that I've seen.