lead bullets

[jim young]

I have just bought some lead cast 260 grain bullets, loaded it with 4.4 grains of x700, they shoot ok,,but every 4th or so does not feed into the breach.
the semi wad cutters did fine, I am shooting them through a norinco gov.

[Recon]

You didn't ask a question so I presume you want to improve functioning with this load?

What exact lead bullet are you using (i.e. be specific) and did you develop this load yourself or obtain it elsewhere? Also, what OAL and casemouth diameter are you using?

[harytaint]

holly crap 260 grain! I bet i know the problem, they nose dive they are so darn heavy. You shoot this load for fun?
I assume you are talking 45 acp?

[jim young]

the bullet is a lead cast round nose, the col is 1.190 I did not want to use that heavy of a bullet, but it was all that was available at my local sporting goods store.
I dont see a problem with the grain, the load was taken from my speer book, It shows the 260 in a copper jacket, not lead. so I am using the lowest presure of powder given. this should be ok as a lead bullet should have less resistance than a copper cast bullet, and I am just using them for plinking.

[stans]

I used to shoot 255 grain LSWC in one of my 1911's, but I wouldn't do it today. For best functioning it is best to stick with round nose bullets of about 230 grains. The heavier bullets are actually intended to be used in revolver ammo (45 Colt).

[jim young]

when you say would not today, did you find out that they hurt the gun or you just would not prefer to?

[Recon]

Jim:

The maximum OAL for the 45 ACP is 1.275". Therefore, you have some room to try different OALs. Most of the heavier bullets in the 45 are using a longer OAL than your 1.190". I would carefully try some different lengths greater than what your using. Since your using a unique combination of components I think the only way you'll find reliability is trying different load specs.

There are lots of commercial casters around the country you can order hardcast lead bullets from. New flat rate shipping makes it affordable even if there are none in your area.

[jester_s1]

You might also check to be sure the bullet diameter is right. Lead for .45 ACP is normally .452. If these are bullets for .45 LC, they will be different.
Do your cases bulge out at all where the bullet is seated?

[jim young]

the diameter is fine, I bought some 230 grain bullets lead, and set them over 4.3 grains of x700 and seated the bullet for a col of 1.270, I also set the seating die a little lower and it seamed to crimp the case a little tighter, I think this may have been the problem.

[harytaint]

your resistance theory is false.
Lead bullets are loaded to similar velocities as jacketed with less grains of powder. This is due to the increased pressures lead makes when seated in the case mouth. The lead bullet can conform better once crimped compared to the jacketed ammo being much harder.
I sure hope you started really low on your loads. As long as there is enough powder to send it out of the barrel its good to start with. It wont be accruate until you find a good grain amt but its better then starting at the middle/high end where the round will go boom.
I would next time go check out http://www.rozedist.com/
they have free shipping and no tax if you live outside the state they are located. Its better then buying local stuff that isnt what you want just to be able to shoot something.
Have fun with your loads. A 260 grain bullet you might even have fun watching fly to your target, lol. Damn with the 230 grains I hear the shot then the paper get punched after, they are slow let alone with the additional 30 grains you got.

[jim young]

crap I wish I had that site before this weekend, I just paid 42$ for 500 rounds. I could have doubled my bullets for a couple of dollars more, well never again at gander mt.
thanks for the site.

[Recon]

jim:

As I mentioned in an earlier post to this thread there are lots of commercial casters out there. More than 25 that I know of.

Here is another one www.keadbullets.com