Thanks to all for inputs. I am reading the tone of the responses to be generally in favor of softer bullets for range shooting at sub-sonic velocities. Missouri Bullets (thanks for the suggestion) offers a formula to determine the needed degree of hardness. I think I will try softer bullets for a while.

Also, I had been staying away from casting, but doing a lot of reading about it, which is what really got me into re-thinking hardness factors, and I may even try to cast a few of my own!

Thanks again to all, and Merry Christmas.