Lead bullets in ruger P85 & P90, SW3913 and SA XD40SC ?????

[jfcrail]

I want to reload ammo for the range and save $$$ and be able to shoot much more. I have been reloading 40SW and 38 special already with good results. My question is can I start to shoot lead wad cutters in the above weapons and really start to save without any problems to my weapons?

 

[sold7]

barrels are ok with lead just not glock or HKs as to if they feed you will need to try a few

 

[Lockout]

Glocks are ok with Lead rounds as long as you clean after you shoot a few rounds.My rule of thumb is I shoot about 100 rounds and clean the gun and shoot again...

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For any other gun I would do the same shoot and clean and shoot and clean

 

[Retread]

Standard rifling: lead is OK
Polygonal rifling: leads easier, causing pressure buildup and potential catastrophic issues.

Lead hardness and velocity also affects leading in all barrels.
Are you talking semi-wadcutters, or full wadcutters?
Semi-wadcutters will feed easier.

 

[jfcrail]

Geez, never thought about feeding Wad cutters into the autos. The .38 wad work great in a revolver-- maybe I better try a few round nose. Thanks for the information. Any good recipes out there?

 

[sold7]

swc shoot great in most of my 45 autos never loaded up any 9s the cost saving just wasn't there on 9s

 

[RamRoddoc]

Geez, never thought about feeding Wad cutters into the autos. The .38 wad work great in a revolver-- maybe I better try a few round nose. Thanks for the information. Any good recipes out there?

Smith and Wesson made a .38 spl. "wadcutter" semi-auto pistol but it's not a good idea in general for auto pistols or I should say it's rarely ever attempted. You can pick up 9mm cast for under $60 for 1K and your cost will run about $6 per 100/rounds if you don't count the brass as a cost (reused). Round nose will feed easier in general and for range work is a good choice.

Polygonal rifling has drawn some criticism (increased pressures) with cast lead and many will tell you to shoot only jacketed ammo. I consider it and shoot jacketed in mine. I purchased after-market barrels to shoot cast. HK said it's ok but clean after 250 rounds I think. So if I had to do it, I would but then would clean the barrel after 250 rounds or so. Good lead cast doesn't lead badly but I have witnessed poor leading in barrels so badly that after a cylinder full of ammo the rounds started tumbling. Strips of lead came out during bore cleaning.

The cleanup of the bore takes a bit longer but it's worth it especially in contrast with expensive factory rounds.

 

[EMC45]

Smith made the model 52 for .38 Special WCs only. It was THE pistol to shoot for many years if you competed. Colt also had a 1911 outfitted for .38 WCs as well. Glocks are just fine shooting cast lead bullets. Now swaged are a different story. I don't shoot swaged lead bullets in ANYTHING. They are too soft and have a tendency to skid if pushed too hard. You load and shoot a cast bullet at around Lyman #2 alloy at moderate and sane speeds and pressure, and you should be fine. Bullet fit and alloy hardness are key.

 

[RamRoddoc]

You load and shoot a cast bullet at around Lyman #2 alloy at moderate and sane speeds and pressure, and you should be fine. Bullet fit and alloy hardness are key.

Dad and I were never accused of being sane.... Gas checks help when exploring the speed envelope with cast bullets.

 

[davesorl11]

check after 100 rounds or so. If the barrel has lead in it shoot 10 or so jacketed rounds. Will clear up the lead.