Hard-cast lead bullets

Benzene · September 19, 2006, 10:46 PM

Thanks for sharing your experience/advice in using 230 grain, .45ACP caliber, hard-cast lead bullets in your semi-auto (in particular the XD and PT 145).

mjrodney · September 20, 2006, 02:53 AM

I use a local caster as my supplier of lead bullets, and while I have no ability to verify the hardness of his alloy, they work well enough.

Approximately 200 rounds each session at the range, using a Ruger P345 and Clays powder.

Leading is minimal, but present, and I mechanically delead after each session using either choreboy or a Lewis Lead Remover.

Groups at 1.5" or less at 7 yards, 100% reliability.

A fourth of the cost of factory ammo.

**Unclenick** · September 20, 2006, 09:43 AM

I've gone over to the truncated cone Lee Tumble Lube design for 230 grains. I run a 1911, so I don't know about the guns you mention? In general, these bullets have grouped under 2" at 25 yards off bags. Bore wear is basically none-existent with lead. 5 grains of Hodgdon Universal Clays seems about right with these. Seat out to headspace off the bullet for best accuracy, unless your chamber is too long to do this without causing magazine problems.

Nick

September 19, 2006, 10:46 PM	#1
Benzene Junior member Join Date: January 27, 2005 Posts: 384	Hard-cast lead bullets Thanks for sharing your experience/advice in using 230 grain, .45ACP caliber, hard-cast lead bullets in your semi-auto (in particular the XD and PT 145).

September 20, 2006, 02:53 AM	#2
mjrodney Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2006 Location: SW Florida Posts: 435	I use a local caster as my supplier of lead bullets, and while I have no ability to verify the hardness of his alloy, they work well enough. Approximately 200 rounds each session at the range, using a Ruger P345 and Clays powder. Leading is minimal, but present, and I mechanically delead after each session using either choreboy or a Lewis Lead Remover. Groups at 1.5" or less at 7 yards, 100% reliability. A fourth of the cost of factory ammo. __________________ Proud supporter of the NRA

September 20, 2006, 09:43 AM	#3
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,060	I've gone over to the truncated cone Lee Tumble Lube design for 230 grains. I run a 1911, so I don't know about the guns you mention? In general, these bullets have grouped under 2" at 25 yards off bags. Bore wear is basically none-existent with lead. 5 grains of Hodgdon Universal Clays seems about right with these. Seat out to headspace off the bullet for best accuracy, unless your chamber is too long to do this without causing magazine problems. Nick __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle