Revolver Muzzle end leading

[TVV]

Love my 44 mag. Redhawk 5.5 stainless but I get a LOT of leading in the muzzle end of my barrel after only 100 rounds...even caking around the crown! Been shooting reputable TMJ reloads through it. I figured the jacket would prevent the lead fouling but I was wrong. Seems to take HOURS of repeated soaking with bore scrubber and diligent scrubbing with a copper bore brush to get the lands and ends shiny again.

This doesn't happen with my GP100s and I'm using the same type of rounds from the same source in 357 (of course).

Any ideas what's happening and/or faster ways of cleaning lead from the bore?

Thanks in advance!

[Dutch Henry]

A 44 Magnum usually requires a good crimp and if you're using a roll crimp, you could be cutting the plating from the lead. Also, full power loads can strip the plating from the bullet.

You might try using a Lee taper crimp die and reduce your load velocity back to about 1200 fps and see if that works.

[Lumpia is sarap!®]

Shooter's Choice has been good to me to remove hard caked on lead. Just make sure you use ventilation, it's strong stuff.

[TVV]

My bad. I wasn't clear. I'm not reloading. I purchased reloads from Load-X up here in the Bay Area. Steve has a good reputation locally for his reloads and been using his stuff for a few years. The rounds are 200g TMJ rated at 1250 fps. Is this hot enough to strip copper jackets? Guess it makes sense since it's happening at the muzzle end. (Thanks for the tip Dutch)

I'll have to find some Shooters Choice on the net to see if I have better luck removing lead (Thanks Lumpia)

[kmca]

I made one of these:

http://thedolk.com/borecleaner1/

Works very well for the bore. Don't exactly know what to do for your crown problem though.

[JTROKS]

That's odd. If they are TMJ that should keep leading to minimal. I use JHPs and all I see at the muzzle end is copper and carbon fouling

[Volver]

I have also been shooting Steves reloads for years. Never had a problem. Have you talked to him about it? TMJs should not be leading your crown, and 1250 FPS is not hot enough to strip a jacket... unless the bullets are oversize or the barrel is undersize.

He also has the cowboy action ammo option... cheaper than what you are shooting now, but this is an all lead bullet with moly lube.

Perhaps shoot some factory new FMJ and see if you have the same issue.

[TVV]

Thanks for the tips gang! I'll try some factory loads and see what happens as, not that I think of it, I don't get leading with my 308 or 223 rifles...plenty of velocity there. If the barrel looks good after factory loads I'll talk with Steve and see what he thinks.
As for the electronic bore cleaner, I think I'd rather figure out a way to prevent the leading before I get into building the gadget, but thanks for the suggestion!

['ol shooter]

A few strands of Bronze Wool wrapped around the bore brush in the bristles will strip lead right out in a couple passes, no chemicals required, no bore damage.

[TVV]

hmmmm...where does one find bronze wool...mythical bronze sheep?
I'll do another net search.
Thanks for the tip Shooter!

[TVV]

Hey 'ol shooter, I found the bronze wool on Amazon...fine, course and medium.
Which do you recommend for the lead removal?

['ol shooter]

Medium works best for me. It's also useful with oil for removing light surface rust, even gentler than 4-0 steel wool.

[TVV]

great!
thanks again 'ol shooter!

[Dutch Henry]

I've found bronze wool at my local Ace Hardware Store for about $7 a package.

[micro911]

Maybe for the reloaded ammo, you should buy a reduced load. Hot load may erode the surface of the lead bullet from gas blow by in the barrel.