| Posted: Thu Nov 5th, 2009 11:10 PM |
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Don Fischer
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I shot some 155gr Keith type HP's into a dirt bank and dug then out last night. Have done it befor but never paid much attention to anything other than I got the bullet back to re melt. Well the hollow cavities filled up with dirt and there was no expansion of any kind. The bullet's were cast from WW. I was wondering if pure lead might not be better in handgun's? My 38 and my 32 S&W long both are kept down around 800fps and less. Thinking about changing the 38 to the 155gr Keith type semi wadcutter rather than the hollow point.
The one I'm most intrested in is the 32 S&W long. Shooting a 95gr round nose in it and would like to use it for small game and see the bullet's mushroom at least some. Been thinking about going to a semi wadcutter in it also. Have a 95gr RNHP for it but don't like it.
Am I risking a leading problem with pure lead? Just smeltered out 180# of the stuff yesterday!
____________________ I pity the man that has never been loved by a dog!
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| Posted: Thu Nov 5th, 2009 11:32 PM |
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3006 user
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Don Fischer wrote: I shot some 155gr Keith type HP's into a dirt bank and dug then out last night. Have done it befor but never paid much attention to anything other than I got the bullet back to re melt. Well the hollow cavities filled up with dirt and there was no expansion of any kind. The bullet's were cast from WW. I was wondering if pure lead might not be better in handgun's? My 38 and my 32 S&W long both are kept down around 800fps and less. Thinking about changing the 38 to the 155gr Keith type semi wadcutter rather than the hollow point.
The one I'm most intrested in is the 32 S&W long. Shooting a 95gr round nose in it and would like to use it for small game and see the bullet's mushroom at least some. Been thinking about going to a semi wadcutter in it also. Have a 95gr RNHP for it but don't like it.
Am I risking a leading problem with pure lead? Just smeltered out 180# of the stuff yesterday!
Don, IMO - don't bother with HP bullets. I believe that semi wc to be better for cast handgun velocities.
I don't believe straight lead to be good either. Try adding about 5% or so of tin. Helps the bullet fill out, and at modest velocities, shouldn't give any leading problems if sizing is correct and lube is adequate..
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| Posted: Fri Nov 6th, 2009 12:12 AM |
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miestro_jerry
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I generally don't worry too much about leading. If you keep the velocity within cast bullet range, you shouldn't have any real problems.
When my pistil barrels do get a leading, I either shoot a clearing round thru the pistl, a jacketed bullet basically or I use my Lewis Lead Cleaner.
Jerry
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| Posted: Fri Nov 6th, 2009 01:58 AM |
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wheezengeezer
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Straight lead,if the mould fills out properly should shoot as good if not better and may lead less and will sure expand better.Use a soft lube.The hard ones leave a lot to be desired.
____________________ I was raised in the 50's on gunpowder and jackrabbits.salt and pepper wooda made'em taste better
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| Posted: Fri Nov 6th, 2009 02:41 AM |
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OldStuffer
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Don Fischer wrote: I shot some 155gr Keith type HP's into a dirt bank and dug then out last night. Have done it befor but never paid much attention to anything other than I got the bullet back to re melt. Well the hollow cavities filled up with dirt and there was no expansion of any kind. The bullet's were cast from WW. I was wondering if pure lead might not be better in handgun's? My 38 and my 32 S&W long both are kept down around 800fps and less. Thinking about changing the 38 to the 155gr Keith type semi wadcutter rather than the hollow point.
The one I'm most intrested in is the 32 S&W long. Shooting a 95gr round nose in it and would like to use it for small game and see the bullet's mushroom at least some. Been thinking about going to a semi wadcutter in it also. Have a 95gr RNHP for it but don't like it.
Am I risking a leading problem with pure lead? Just smeltered out 180# of the stuff yesterday!
Hollowpoints are expanded by hydraulic force, water, from the body it is moving through, inside the cavity, pressurizing it, and deforming the bullet. You will not get HP expansion from dry materials, including dirt.
HP's have been found, also, to fail to expand after passing thru objects that clog the cavity, gypsum wallboard, layers of heavy winter clothing, etc, turn them effectively into FMJ solids.
My only experience with leading is in my Llama 1911 .45acp, which leads badly with standard #2 hard cast alloy, I can't imagine pure lead. I had to locate an extremely hard cast alloy to stop it. I think you'll get plenty of lead stripping in teh rifling from dead soft lead, at most any velocities.
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| Posted: Fri Nov 6th, 2009 04:08 AM |
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Ranch 13
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Hollowpoint bullets in handguns don't really do as much impressive work as a good keith type swc.
For your 32's take a look at the rcbs 98swc. That bullet loaded in 32 H&R looks for all the world like a baby 44 round ol Elmer hizself might have loaded.
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| Posted: Fri Nov 6th, 2009 06:07 AM |
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7th Post |
Don Fischer
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| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | rifle | | My favorite chambering is:: | Could be one of several. Love the 6.5x55, 6.5-06 7xs57 ... |
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Thanks guy's. I was thinking the HP wasn't all that great, don't even remember where I got it. Till I can get a reg Kieth type mold maybe I'll do 148gr wadcutters.
____________________ I pity the man that has never been loved by a dog!
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