Wondering about cast bullets . . .

btefft · March 15, 2008, 11:35 PM

Wondering about cast bullets . . .

When I'm looking to buy some bullets, I see "cast" bullets for sale.

What are the pros and cons of using cast bullets instead of the kind I buy from Nosler, Hornady, Spee, etc?

I've never used cast bullets.

What I really wonder is will the lead of the cast bullet mess up my barrel.

Hack

TexasSeaRay · March 15, 2008, 11:41 PM

I've shot cast bullets for decades, and with no ill effects.

I prefer my cast bullets in calibers in which my velocity will stay below 1000 fps. However, as I am just getting into casting my own (lead) bullets, I am finding gobs of information about various allow formulations that will easily shoot at higher velocities with no leading of the barrel. And there are a number of casters who are casting their own long gun, moderately high velocity bullets with incredible (MOA) success.

The number one advantage of a cast bullet is cost. Number two advantage is that lead is easier on the barrel than copper. However, some say that the difference is largely insignificant--especially when comparing linotype cast bullets with jacketed bullets. I'd probably tend to agree with that.

If you're looking for a good source of cast bullets, along with a good source of information and load data, give Mike a shout at [email protected]. This guy produces some of the absolute best and most consistent cast bullets I have ever loaded and fired. His quality is incredible and his prices are excellent--including flat rate shipping.

Jeff

Sigma 40 Blaster · March 15, 2008, 11:44 PM

Pros are that lead is cheaper. A lot cheaper. If you can find the right company. www.mastercastbullets.com is my favorite (and a few others here). Precision Bullets, Penn, Bullets are others I hear mentioned a lot.

The cons are that lead is dirtier, creates higher pressure at a specific velocity than a jacketed bullet (load data for cast is always lower than jacketed), and if you get one stuck in the barrel they can be a BEAR to get out. It's very important to make sure you're using lead load data, using jacketed data could be a very bad day for you and your gun.

Will it mess up your barrel? No. As long as you stay withing manufacturer recommended load data (both high end and low end) you'll be good. If it does lead the barrel you can clean it with standard solvents or buy a Lead Remover from Brownells or make your own bore cleaner with your favorite solvent and some copper Chore Boy. I've read that if you shoot jacketed bullets after lead bullets you can damage your barrel but it's never happened to me...not saying it can't or won't happen.

73-Captain · March 16, 2008, 12:19 AM

"The cons are that lead... creates higher pressure at a specific velocity than a jacketed bullet (load data for cast is always lower than jacketed), and if you get one stuck in the barrel they can be a BEAR to get out."

WHAT??? REALLY??? ALWAYS???

tomh1426 · March 16, 2008, 12:43 AM

+1 for Mike at http://www.mastercastbullets.com/

Sevens · March 16, 2008, 11:54 AM

If you try the search engine for just this area of the site and "cast bullets" you'll get a heap of great info and answers.

I've posted a number of times about them and those posts should be easy to find. I will add right now that one of the minor annoyances about reloading with cast bullets is that there is much less available load data for cast bullets. Most powder makers list extensive data for jacketed bullets and only a few of them also give data for cast lead bullets.

If you decide to try cast lead, you may get hooked. The difference in cost is, well, phenomenal. Sure, it's even cheaper to cast your own, but that's a whole other ball of wax.

freakshow10mm · March 16, 2008, 01:38 PM

Quote:

WHAT??? REALLY??? ALWAYS???

Yes. Same weight and bearing surface, etc a lead bullet will bump up in size to seal the bore, whereas a jacketed bullet doesn't bump up much. The more you seal off the groove the more force is exerted upon the base of the bullet and pressure rises.

Take the 45 Auto with a 200gr lead and jacketed bullet. Work up a load side by side using the jacketed data for each bullet type. You will see pressure sign in the loads using lead bullets before the jacketed bullet loads will show pressure sign. I've done it before in a number of guns.

TexasSeaRay · March 16, 2008, 02:33 PM

Yep, Freakshow is spot-on. Just ask anyone who slugs their barrel.

Oh, one other thing about loading with cast bullets. It's a very good idea to wash your hands after handling the lead bullets.

Jeff

txpete · March 17, 2008, 06:33 AM

http://www.lasc.us/CastBulletNotes.htm

great info.
I have been casting now close to 30 years pistol and rifle.it is another part of our hobbie that I really enjoy.with the prices of bullets now it sure will help out your checkbook if you shoot alot.

pete

ShootingNut · March 17, 2008, 06:45 AM

Another vote for Mike at mastercastbullets, but don't go by his product/price list. Guess he has too busy to update it, as his and most others have had to raise prices somewhat to keep up with the spike in metal costs.
Email him with your order, and he will fire you back the total cost, with shipping and insurance (very reasonable).
Regards,
SN

March 15, 2008, 11:35 PM	#1
btefft Senior Member Join Date: March 7, 2008 Posts: 181	Wondering about cast bullets . . . Wondering about cast bullets . . . When I'm looking to buy some bullets, I see "cast" bullets for sale. What are the pros and cons of using cast bullets instead of the kind I buy from Nosler, Hornady, Spee, etc? I've never used cast bullets. What I really wonder is will the lead of the cast bullet mess up my barrel. Hack

March 16, 2008, 11:54 AM	#6
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,775	If you try the search engine for just this area of the site and "cast bullets" you'll get a heap of great info and answers. I've posted a number of times about them and those posts should be easy to find. I will add right now that one of the minor annoyances about reloading with cast bullets is that there is much less available load data for cast bullets. Most powder makers list extensive data for jacketed bullets and only a few of them also give data for cast lead bullets. If you decide to try cast lead, you may get hooked. The difference in cost is, well, phenomenal. Sure, it's even cheaper to cast your own, but that's a whole other ball of wax. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

March 15, 2008, 11:41 PM	#2
TexasSeaRay Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 810	I've shot cast bullets for decades, and with no ill effects. I prefer my cast bullets in calibers in which my velocity will stay below 1000 fps. However, as I am just getting into casting my own (lead) bullets, I am finding gobs of information about various allow formulations that will easily shoot at higher velocities with no leading of the barrel. And there are a number of casters who are casting their own long gun, moderately high velocity bullets with incredible (MOA) success. The number one advantage of a cast bullet is cost. Number two advantage is that lead is easier on the barrel than copper. However, some say that the difference is largely insignificant--especially when comparing linotype cast bullets with jacketed bullets. I'd probably tend to agree with that. If you're looking for a good source of cast bullets, along with a good source of information and load data, give Mike a shout at [email protected]. This guy produces some of the absolute best and most consistent cast bullets I have ever loaded and fired. His quality is incredible and his prices are excellent--including flat rate shipping. Jeff

March 15, 2008, 11:44 PM	#3
Sigma 40 Blaster Senior Member Join Date: July 2, 2007 Location: East Texas Posts: 997	Pros are that lead is cheaper. A lot cheaper. If you can find the right company. www.mastercastbullets.com is my favorite (and a few others here). Precision Bullets, Penn, Bullets are others I hear mentioned a lot. The cons are that lead is dirtier, creates higher pressure at a specific velocity than a jacketed bullet (load data for cast is always lower than jacketed), and if you get one stuck in the barrel they can be a BEAR to get out. It's very important to make sure you're using lead load data, using jacketed data could be a very bad day for you and your gun. Will it mess up your barrel? No. As long as you stay withing manufacturer recommended load data (both high end and low end) you'll be good. If it does lead the barrel you can clean it with standard solvents or buy a Lead Remover from Brownells or make your own bore cleaner with your favorite solvent and some copper Chore Boy. I've read that if you shoot jacketed bullets after lead bullets you can damage your barrel but it's never happened to me...not saying it can't or won't happen.

March 16, 2008, 12:19 AM	#4
73-Captain Junior member Join Date: December 14, 2007 Posts: 199	"The cons are that lead... creates higher pressure at a specific velocity than a jacketed bullet (load data for cast is always lower than jacketed), and if you get one stuck in the barrel they can be a BEAR to get out." WHAT??? REALLY??? ALWAYS???

March 16, 2008, 12:43 AM	#5
tomh1426 Senior Member Join Date: September 17, 2005 Location: Youngtown Arizona Posts: 1,135	+1 for Mike at http://www.mastercastbullets.com/

March 16, 2008, 02:33 PM	#8
TexasSeaRay Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 810	Yep, Freakshow is spot-on. Just ask anyone who slugs their barrel. Oh, one other thing about loading with cast bullets. It's a very good idea to wash your hands after handling the lead bullets. Jeff

March 17, 2008, 06:33 AM	#9
txpete Member Join Date: June 18, 2006 Location: texas Posts: 42	http://www.lasc.us/CastBulletNotes.htm great info. I have been casting now close to 30 years pistol and rifle.it is another part of our hobbie that I really enjoy.with the prices of bullets now it sure will help out your checkbook if you shoot alot. pete

March 17, 2008, 06:45 AM	#10
ShootingNut Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,475	Another vote for Mike at mastercastbullets, but don't go by his product/price list. Guess he has too busy to update it, as his and most others have had to raise prices somewhat to keep up with the spike in metal costs. Email him with your order, and he will fire you back the total cost, with shipping and insurance (very reasonable). Regards, SN