Difference between lead and lead moly bullets

[Prophet]

I recently purchased some Bear Creek 40s&w bullets and was told that they were lead moly. I have heard that I can shoot them through a glock however, when I took them out of the box they look like standard lead bullets. I am not too familiar with standard lead bullets but, I thought there would be some significant difference ( powder coating, lube). So, I want to be safe and know how I can tell the difference between lead and lead moly bullets; if there is any difference.

I appreciate you time and assistance (as always) because this one has really got me confused; not a good thing when reloading.

Thank you
-Prophet

[HighLander51]

All bullets are made of lead, except pure copper hunting bullets. Bear Creek is just moly coated lead, there are lots of black bullet makers out there. You can shoot them thru a OEM Glock barrel, but you don't want to go more than a couple hundred before cleaning, and it is a pain in the *** to clean. In the long run you are better off to buy a stainless after market barrel if you are only going to shoot lead.

Read this post

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=756324&highlight=lead

[wtkaiser]

Maybe it's me, but I tried moly a few years go and the cleaning is such a chore that I went back to regular lead. Any theoretical advantage is lost on me.

[HighLander51]

Moly lead, or plain lead, is far cheaper than jacketed, so more rounds per dollar. Yes cleaning an OEM Glock barrel is terrible, but a SS barrel is a breeze.

[Chief-7700]

Lube

[GeoffLinder]

Lube

This, regular lead will have a wax like lube in a groove. Lead moly will be moly coated. Lead moly smokes a little less than regular lubed lead, either will shoot in OEM Glock barrels, just keep velocity low, under 1000fps and leading will be minimal.

I like to shoot heavier weight lead if possible, for example, 147gr in 9mm versus 115-124gr, this allows you to keep velocity under 900fps and still get decent power factor.

Remember, the slower you shoot lead bullets, the less they lead the bore.

[Prophet]

This is some great info, thanks guys.

[CEDaytonaRydr]

I have heard that I can shoot them through a glock however, when I took them out of the box they look like standard lead bullets. I am not too familiar with standard lead bullets but, I thought there would be some significant difference ( powder coating, lube). So, I want to be safe and know how I can tell the difference between lead and lead moly bullets; if there is any difference.

The bullets should be a bit darker in appearance than plain lead. You can shave off the moly with a knife to see if it exposes the lighter colored lead. Keep in mind that while your barrel might not lead foul, it will definitely moly foul. You can use Kroil to clean out the moly fouling.