Brinell

[Paper Boy]

How important is the Brinell number when reloading for .45 ACP? Me and a buddy were debating if its really that much of an issue for light loads in a .45 since they are not super high velocity.

Thoughts?

[bumpo628]

A lower number will work better in 45acp since it is a low velocity, low pressure round. Most of the commercial cast stuff out there is about Bhn 18, but Bhn between 10 to 12 would work better. The lower hardness will allow the bullet to 'obturate' or deform under the pressure in order to engage the rifling better.

[rsrocket1]

With too hard a bullet and not enough pressure for the bullet to obturate to the barrel, you'll get gas cutting on the bullet which will show up as lead deposits in the beginning part of the barrel.

[Bill Steele]

Softer for lighter, etc.

While I agree with the general notion that for softer loads you want to use softer lead and in my revolvers these numbers really seem to make a difference to leading. If I am running light loads in my .44 or .357, I better be running softer lead or leading will get pretty fierce pretty fast. Obviously as I move these guns toward magnum levels, I run only BHN 18 and up or jacketed.

In my .45 ACP 1911's, I get no leading to speak of regardless of the BHN of the bullet I shoot or the load level. I shoot Missouri Bullet Company's bullets in both BHN 12 and BHN 18 with no noticable leading, regardless whether I am running hotter or softer. Knock on wood.

[Paper Boy]

I shoot Missouri Bullet Company's bullets in both BHN 12 and BHN 18 with no noticable leading, regardless whether I am running hotter or softer. Knock on wood.

Good to know because those were the bullets I was debating using.

Thanks for the info guys.