Smoke problem

[frankiejoe577]

Hello, I have recently started reloading, when I shoot my reloads at the indoor range the whole range fills up with smoke after I shoot about 10 rounds. I'm sure the people next to me do not like it so I only shoot 5 then take a break and start to shoot again. Does anyone know what would cause this smoke issue? My Factory ammo does not do it why should my reloads?

The powders I am testing currently are Unique and Bullseye. Thanks

Bullet: 9mm Lead FMJ 115GR

With the powders depending on the mix I use between 3.2gr and 4.1gr

[bohoki]

i'm confused what a lead fmj is?

do you mean a copper fmj with lead core or do you mean a round nose lead?

i get excessive smoke but its the lube that is to blame that is on my lead

i dont get any smoke from 4.0 bullseye with 115 fmj
well neglegible at least

[Mikeb]

You haven't provided quite enough information but if I had to guess you're makeing light loads and unique doesn't burn well unless you build up some pressure. It could be the lead bullet lube if that is what you are using but I think, if light loads are what you are after , you might look to another powder. I use win 231 for .45 acp.
Let us know what the full receipt is maybe someone can provide a clue
take care
Mike

[Beelzy]

I'll bet you get more smoke with the 3.2gr loads. The powder is sooting up
because of incomplete burning, and the lube is cooking with it.

Basically you are shooting little grease-fire projos.

Warm up the load a little and don't fret too much about possible leading if you
drive them a little too fast.

YMMV.

[frankiejoe577]

The bullet is a lead bullet (It looks like a stock FMJ bullet but different color with a coating on it) with some kind of coating I think its that lube you all speak about.

All of the powder I have is about 10 years+ old if that makes any difference. I belive it was store in a cool dry area it was given to me as a gift.

I have Win 321 but I read online that its the "cheap stuff"

The reloading book I have says a high and a low number for the bullet for example 4.1gr low and 4.3gr high so I made a bunch of 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3 They all shot fine so I went with 4.1gr

The gun also shoots a lot of fire with my reloads compaired to my stock ammo. Meaning: You can see the flame shoot out of the barrel each time you shoot.
I have a video if I can figure out how to get the video format to upload to youtube its from a cell phone. Quite interesting.

[bohoki]

The bullet is a lead bullet (It looks like a stock FMJ bullet but different color with a coating on it) with some kind of coating I think its that lube you all speak about.

All of the powder I have is about 10 years+ old if that makes any difference. I belive it was store in a cool dry area it was given to me as a gift.

I have Win 321 but I read online that its the "cheap stuff"

The reloading book I have says a high and a low number for the bullet for example 4.1gr low and 4.3gr high so I made a bunch of 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3 They all shot fine so I went with 4.1gr

The gun also shoots a lot of fire with my reloads compaired to my stock ammo. Meaning: You can see the flame shoot out of the barrel each time you shoot.
I have a video if I can figure out how to get the video format to upload to youtube its from a cell phone. Quite interesting.

its not the powder it is the lube its probably lee liquid alox
thick enough it simulates black powder smoke

you confused us calling them fmj since they are not full metal jacket(which in itself is a misnomer since the base is exposed lead) and they had to come out with a new name called total metal jacket which is a copper plating those bullets should be treated as cast since th ecoating is so thin

if you still think its the powder load some with fmj and you will see

[LGB Loader]

it is the lube. I am surprised that the range personel didn't say anything to you. Normally, your bullets must be copper jacketed or plated for indoor ranges.

The Smoke?? This is normal. If you are casting your own, I recommend Rooster tumble lube as it is less smokey and Unique is very well known to be smokey at low velocities.

Bullseye is a fast powder and is less smokey than Unique.

Lead is good for outdoor but I don't like to breathe that indoors so even if you are allowed to shoot lead at your indoor range, I would still recommend copper plated at the minimum.

Shoot Plated or jacketed bullets and there will be alot less smoke.

Food for thought.

LGB

[frankiejoe577]

Thanks, I will keep these lead bullets for out door I only have about 200 left.
Then I will buy some non lead ones after I use these up. I did not notice how much smoke they gave off he first time I shoot them but I was not shooting as fast the first time. I guess I can no complain too much after all I got about 500 shells bullets and primers free from my uncle, the lee press, tumbler and 3 cans of powder 2 half full and one 1/8th full. I need to get more primers bullets and soon more powder. I think I will stick with Bullseye powder.


Turns out it is the lube on the bullets

[bohoki]

there is a company that makes neat bullets called bear creek they seem to turn up at random locations around california

they are moly coated black bullets and make no smoke

ive been casting 9 and 45 and my lee tumble lube smokes a bit