Lead Bullets vs. Plated Bullets

[Colt562]

So I was looking around the interwebz today and noticed that I can find 9mm 115gn RN lead bullets for about 30 bucks per 500. I just payed 28 bucks for 250 9mm plated 115gn.

I have just been caught up on using exposed lead. Basically my question is....can you convince me to switch over to lead bullets?

[scotty99]

How can we convince you? Millions of lead bullets get used every year, including by many, many people shooting in competitions. But don't take our word for it - for $30 and a little time you can convince yourself. Just remember that lead recipes will use a bit less powder than you'd use for an equal weight plated or jacketed bullet.

[Pacilander]

If you need convincing, don't do it. But if you are asking if its ok to shoot lead then there are ton of threads that address the issue. Just remember lead does have its issues. But in my opinion so long as you have a barrel that can shoot it and you regularly clean your gun then for the most part lead is well worth the savings.

[G-forceJunkie]

What gun? What barrel? How fast do you want to push them? Need more info.

[Colt562]

How can we convince you? Millions of lead bullets get used every year, including by many, many people shooting in competitions. But don't take our word for it - for $30 and a little time you can convince yourself. Just remember that lead recipes will use a bit less powder than you'd use for an equal weight plated or jacketed bullet.

Wrong choice of words, mainly just wondering if lead is something I should switch to.

If you need convincing, don't do it. But if you are asking if its ok to shoot lead then there are ton of threads that address the issue. Just remember lead does have its issues. But in my opinion so long as you have a barrel that can shoot it and you regularly clean your gun then for the most part lead is well worth the savings.

What are some of the issues?

What gun? What barrel? How fast do you want to push them? Need more info.

Smith and Wesson model 59. Idk what the average is for lead, mainly just plinking ammo.

I clean my guns after every range trip.

[Hallx7]

If you're looking for a cheaper way to feed your 9mm then definitely go lead. Some barrels experience leading (I have yet to experience it in any of my guns) but if you regularly clean your gun you will have no problems.
Definitely worth buying a batch and trying it out. See for yourself.

[Bill Steele]

For 45 Auto, I shoot 200gr LSWC almost exclusively.

I load about half my 9mm with lead. I load a small amount of my 10mm with 200gr WFNGC but not a great deal as these cost as much as premium JHP. All my target .44RM are loaded with 240gr LSWC, as well as my .357M target rounds with 158gr LSWC.

Frankly, I don't favor plated much, too many consistency problems in the past.

Life is short, do what you want.

[Colt562]

Ok, I think im going to order some 9mm and 38 special, Do you guys have any favorite companies to order from?

[Bill Steele]

Ok, I think im going to order some 9mm and 38 special, Do you guys have any favorite companies to order from?

I prefer SNS casting, a cut above quality wise. Also Penn, if a bit slow, but probably worth the wait.

Both on the world wide web...

[Taztwnpa]

I use Xtream plated bullets and they work great for me. I get less chance of leading and $35 for 500 115gr 9mm. A great deal.


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[Colt562]

where are you finding 35/500 copper plated bullets?

[Hallx7]

Taz... 500 plated 115 gr 9mm are $51 through Xtreme. $35 may have been a really old price but its long gone.

Colt... The companies Bill mentioned are a great place to start. Also check out Xtreme Bullets. I use their lead on a lot of my loads and have been very happy with them.

[Taztwnpa]

I bought 1k last month and I'm sure it was less then $80. I pick them up at Philips wholesale in Covina.


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[Pacilander]

Personally I prefer to shoot plated vs lead. But I do reload and shoot both. I do limit my lead to certain firearms. No lead in my HK or Glocks. Also I do shoot indoors sometimes and in those cases I stay away from the lead. I know I can get aftermarket barrels for my Glocks and HKs but I have plenty of plated where I don't worry about it also I buy in bulk so the price is close to lead. But every now and then I find some lead priced so well I can't say no.

I guess the simple answer is lead is fine so long as your barrel is capable of shooting lead (some people have said they shoot lead in their poly barrels even though it is said it can destroy your barrel) and you consistently clean your gun. Lead and plated both should stay on the low end of the pressure scale. Never load lead or plated bullets with FMJ load data. Also handling lead is an issue so be aware to wear gloves and/or make sure to wash your hands.

My opinion is, so long as you are planning to just shoot paper or steal then lead works great.

[meaty-btz]

Truth is, I wouldn't shoot commercial Lead.

Lead Pills are more art and science than just loading and shooting. If you want to avoid leading, hardness isn't the goal. In fact you can shoot full speed 44 mag w/o leading with non-antimonal lead. What is more important is getting the right SIZE of lead. Most commercial lead is threefold bad: generic size, very hard lead, and generic lube. That is a recipe for leading.

You should slug your bore and then get the diameter that best fits in a nice soft allow, just hard enough for your velocity and soft enough to obdurate. Make sure the lube is good as that is important. Different lubes for different velocities and temperatures.

Handling lead is not an issue, it does not transfer through the skin. You should wash up afterwards but you do not absorb lead by touching it. Good lord people are silly these days. The danger with lead comes from: consumption and fumes/fine particulates.

As for the above comment about paper and steel. There are millons of dead animals and people who would like to talk to you about the lethality of lead bullets. As long as you are outside of Kommiefornia or outside the lead ban zones. Lead pills are good for hunting.