lube and cast bullets

Bezoar · August 8, 2014, 08:29 PM

Ive been pondering this question for some time. And have to ask.

if a cast lead bullet must be lubricated, and theres so many lubricants and powder coating technology to do so,
then why can i still purchase double ended wadcutters that were never meant to be lubricated?

skizzums · August 8, 2014, 09:12 PM

that's news to me, I didn't know any unjacketed bullet would be un-lubed. that sounds awful.

Nick_C_S · August 8, 2014, 11:58 PM

Years ago, I used to buy hard cast bullets that were unlubricated (158 SWC, & 200 SWC for 45 ACP). They had the lube groove but were bare.

Nobody told me they were supposed to be lubricated and I didn't know any better. I guess nobody told the guns either because they shot just fine - except, without all the smoke. I shot these things for years before I learned they were supposed to be lubed.

Also: 240g SWC's for 44 Spl/Mag.

noylj · August 9, 2014, 09:21 PM

I have bought as-cast and unlubricated bullets, but only as special order (for me and the guns I have tested, as-cast bullets are more accurate than after sizing).
In 40 years I have never seen an unlubed cast bullet sold unless very specifically requested. I have seen LOTS of swaged lubed bullets sold that look unlubed, but they were lubed with a wax emulsion that is not visible when dry.
Have no idea what you have, but a VERY light coating of Lee Liquid Alox will be all the lube you need.

Shootest · August 10, 2014, 07:51 AM

Quote:

I have seen LOTS of swaged lubed bullets sold that look unlubed, but they were lubed with a wax emulsion that is not visible when dry.

I think that is what the OP is referring to. Swaged lead bullets are in fact lubricated you just can’t see the lube.

August 8, 2014, 08:29 PM	#1
Bezoar Junior member Join Date: October 19, 2004 Location: michigan Posts: 578	lube and cast bullets Ive been pondering this question for some time. And have to ask. if a cast lead bullet must be lubricated, and theres so many lubricants and powder coating technology to do so, then why can i still purchase double ended wadcutters that were never meant to be lubricated?

August 8, 2014, 09:12 PM	#2
skizzums Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2013 Location: Douglasville, Ga Posts: 4,615	that's news to me, I didn't know any unjacketed bullet would be un-lubed. that sounds awful. __________________ My head is bloody, but unbowed

August 8, 2014, 11:58 PM	#3
Nick_C_S Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2013 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,523	Years ago, I used to buy hard cast bullets that were unlubricated (158 SWC, & 200 SWC for 45 ACP). They had the lube groove but were bare. Nobody told me they were supposed to be lubricated and I didn't know any better. I guess nobody told the guns either because they shot just fine - except, without all the smoke. I shot these things for years before I learned they were supposed to be lubed. Also: 240g SWC's for 44 Spl/Mag. __________________ Gun control laws benefit only criminals and politicians - but then, I repeat myself. Life Member, National Rifle Association Last edited by Nick_C_S; August 9, 2014 at 12:02 AM. Reason: Additional information added.

August 9, 2014, 09:21 PM	#4
noylj Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 2007 Location: Between CA and NM Posts: 858	I have bought as-cast and unlubricated bullets, but only as special order (for me and the guns I have tested, as-cast bullets are more accurate than after sizing). In 40 years I have never seen an unlubed cast bullet sold unless very specifically requested. I have seen LOTS of swaged lubed bullets sold that look unlubed, but they were lubed with a wax emulsion that is not visible when dry. Have no idea what you have, but a VERY light coating of Lee Liquid Alox will be all the lube you need.