SWC- bevel base v.s flat base

[Jeff H]

I have loaded quite a few 158 SWC with a beveled base for my 357mag, and while there is a bit of leading after 100 rounds, it really isn't much of an issue to clean out (15g of 2400), but I have read that flat base bullets will lead less but I can't seem to find any 158g with a flat base.

I did notice Dardas has a 150g flat base SWC but I have never heard anyone mention it before so I have no idea if they are good or bad.

My question is if the flat base will really help or do you just deal with a bit of leading when pushing lead at 1500fps in a Blackhawk?

 

[Randy1911]

Supposedly the flat base will seal the barrel better, but I have shot both and could tell no difference. I stick with the bevel base because they load easier.

 

[Walkalong]

If you get the bullet hardness to pressure/speed right, as well as the bullet properly sized to your throats, and your throats are not undersized, and there is enough of a good lube there, you can run lead at 1500 with minimal to no leading.

Theoretically flat based bullets are easier to get no leading with. I have shot a ton of beveled base bullets at 1200 FPS and under with no leading at all.

I used to shoot Ruger only loads in .45 Colt in a Blackhawk. I was pushing 250 Gr beveled base bullets at least 1300 FPS (but had no chrono at the time) with no leading.

Dardas bullets have a good reputation. It certainly would not hurt to give them a try if the brinnel hardness is high enough to take 1500 FPS. Around 15 to 18 on the brinnel scale.

Missouri Bullets has one, although it is beveled base. Folks around here post very positively about Missouri Bullets.