cast vs. fmj

[mekender]

if i wanted to start reloading 9mm would these work ok?

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.e ... mid=984979

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.e ... mid=711744

or should i use fmj instead?

also, is the difference between .355 or .356 going to be a problem?

it seems like the XTP's are .355 and the cast bullets are .356

also, the bullets seem to be already lubed... so i could just load them like a FMJ correct?

[AZMARK]

Either of those will be fine, just keep them under 1100 fps to avoid leading. It's normal for cast bullets to be slightly larger than bore diameter.

[mekender]

why would i have to worry about keeping a 115gr pistol round subsonic?

normal FMJ goes above that easily...

[Netpackrat]

why would i have to worry about keeping a 115gr pistol round subsonic?

normal FMJ goes above that easily...

When pushed to higher velocities, unjacketed lead bullets tend to foul the bore with lead build up. That being said, there is not any standard speed at which this will happen, there are too many other variables such as alloy hardness, type and amount of bullet lube used, bullet to bore fit, bore smoothness, rifling type, twist rate, etc. Both of the bullets you listed are fairly hard alloys, and I wouldn't worry about leading at any normal pistol velocity. Either bullet should be a good choice.

Avoid buying "swaged" bullets, or ammunition using them, because in order for the swaging process to work, it requires such a soft alloy as to foul bores at nearly any velocity.

[mekender]

so if i run a bore snake through the barrel every 100 or rounds or so, it would be fine?

[cu74]

so if i run a bore snake through the barrel every 100 or rounds or so, it would be fine?

Maybe yes, maybe no. Depends on those variables Packrat noted, plus your personal definition of "fine". The only way to find out for sure is to load them and shoot them.

I load 9mm cast bullets for our pistols. The wife's typical practice session is five or six 15-round mags, followed by four or five pulls of a bore snake. She uses BreakFree CLP on the front end, ahead of the brass bristles, and we haven't seen any leading problems with her Beretta Cougar.

[mekender]

so is it really worth it to buy lead Vs FMJ bullets?


i dont have any way to cast my own

[AZMARK]

Doesn't seem like it, FMJ is a couple of bucks cheaper.

[Rich Jordan]

I don't reload 9mm. However I've been trying various commercial cast bullets (NBC, Oregon Trail, Meister, Gardner's Cache, Spartan, Phoenix, etc) and have not been able to find one in 10mm, .45ACP, or .32H&R that I can shoot at an indoor range above 'pop-gun' load levels due to smoke. The range is vented but not all that well. I've tried half a dozen recommended powders; no matter what if its above minimum loads I get too much smoke. I've also tried both the factory lube and 'redipping' in Lee Alox with no difference; you'd think I was shooting a black powder gun even with Universal Clays or VV 3N37 powders (which are pretty clean).

OTOH I've had great luck with Ranier and other copper plated bullets; they are available a bit cheaper than jacketed if you shop around, take cast loads, and the only ones that smoke are the ones I load with my last cans of "old" Unique.

[Whirlibird]

The first question that MUST be asked, what weapon are we talking about?

Then the information may be useful, maybe not.