Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Ammunition-Gunsmithing > Reloading
o

Notices

Reloading All Reloading Topics Go Here


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 04-09-2017, 09:15 PM
colorado plainsman colorado plainsman is offline
Member
Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets  
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 78
Likes: 140
Liked 62 Times in 16 Posts
Default Polymer coated bullets

Went to the gun show in town over the weekend. Came across a booth that had some polymer coated bullets made by blue bullets. Decided to pick up a pack of .45 230 gn 100 ct for 15 bucks. I was told to use a light crimp in order to not cut into the coating. Anyone used them and like them,
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 04-09-2017, 09:31 PM
Maximumbob54's Avatar
Maximumbob54 Maximumbob54 is offline
Member
Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 7,202
Likes: 9,079
Liked 1,921 Times in 1,043 Posts
Default

I've not used that particular brand but I have yet to use any coated bullet and not like it. But I'm curious why their website has them listed as high as they are. Hard to beat MBC's coated bullet prices.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #3  
Old 04-09-2017, 10:02 PM
bluetopper's Avatar
bluetopper bluetopper is offline
Member
Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Northeast TX
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 614
Liked 987 Times in 409 Posts
Default

I do know the Acme red lipstick bullets give off a sickening stink if shot by a fairly stiff charge of 2400. I think they are polymer coated, but not sure.
I've heard of after-taste, I may coin the term "after-smell".

Last edited by bluetopper; 04-09-2017 at 10:05 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 04-10-2017, 12:27 AM
Mikeinkaty Mikeinkaty is offline
Member
Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets  
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 329
Likes: 6
Liked 134 Times in 64 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by bluetopper View Post
I do know the Acme red lipstick bullets give off a sickening stink if shot by a fairly stiff charge of 2400. I think they are polymer coated, but not sure.
I've heard of after-taste, I may coin the term "after-smell".
That's a new one on me. I've used H110, IMR 4227, Trail Boss, Titegroup, IMR1680, all with powder coated bullets (Eastwood) and never noticed any odor other than that of the powder. I've melted powder coated bullets and noticed no unusual smells. The coating floats to the top and does not melt or burn.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 04-10-2017, 12:57 AM
Troystat Troystat is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: CA
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 790
Liked 678 Times in 436 Posts
Default

I use Bayou bullets coated 185 grain SWC for my 1911 bulleye loads they seem to shoot well and are nice to handle and they seem to run clean in my 1911. I don't notice any particular smell.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #6  
Old 04-10-2017, 07:03 AM
dmar dmar is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,545
Likes: 3,089
Liked 2,924 Times in 1,067 Posts
Default

I use the Blue Bullets and have had great results with them; .45 ACP, 9mm, and .38... I've used some coated bullets that would leave streaks of material in the barrel, but have not noticed this with the Blue Bullets. Accuracy is good, as well.

As a bonus, they make them local to me, so they are easy for me to get! I'm going to keep using them.
__________________
NRA Life Member
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #7  
Old 04-10-2017, 08:28 AM
JBnTx's Avatar
JBnTx JBnTx is offline
Member
Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets  
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 498
Likes: 515
Liked 517 Times in 219 Posts
Default

Polymer coated bullets are all I use in my SIG's, Ruger's and Glock's.

I see NO need to ever buy another traditionally lubed cast bullet.

I like Missouri Bullet Company's Hi Tek coated bullets. They're reasonably priced, high quality and shipping is fast.

I get no leading and very little smoke, and accuracy is equal to any other kind of cast bullet.

I shoot them in everything from 9mm to 45 Colt.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #8  
Old 04-10-2017, 09:46 AM
fixitfred fixitfred is offline
Member
Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets  
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Metro Atlanta, GA
Posts: 149
Likes: 70
Liked 123 Times in 56 Posts
Default

I use Bayou bullets too and push them to the max of cast bullet data and have no leading but do get that chemical smell. I roll crimp my 44 mag hard in the crimp groove and pulled a bullet or two and it doesn't cut into the coating.

My semi auto taper crimps are light and show no significant signs of breaking through the coating. I also went to separate seating and crimp dies to make it easier on me and easier on the coated bullets.

I know they're many plated bullet fans and they have the same issue as hi-tek coated. I get the impression some don't realize the coating is easy to cut into and can lead. I have no data to prove it but I believe hi-tek coating is slightly more forgiving than plated and less likely to cut the coating or leave any residue.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #9  
Old 04-11-2017, 08:41 AM
roundgun roundgun is offline
Member
Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets  
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Colorado
Posts: 120
Likes: 266
Liked 101 Times in 43 Posts
Default

I have had good experience with eggleston munitions. I ordered a sample bag for 9mm. Located in Colorado Springs, could be close to you.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #10  
Old 04-11-2017, 12:52 PM
zeke zeke is offline
Member
Polymer coated bullets  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: NW Wi
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 3,317
Liked 3,020 Times in 1,279 Posts
Default

Just tried Missouri and Acme coated, and had minimal smoking and very easy clean up. The coating added .001 to the stated diam, and Missouri has a no groove 215 45 acp bullet with very wide flat nose. This bullet may offer good option for low recoil vermin load.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #11  
Old 04-11-2017, 01:14 PM
Dobie406 Dobie406 is offline
US Veteran
Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets  
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: SW MO
Posts: 323
Likes: 129
Liked 585 Times in 175 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by zeke View Post
Just tried Missouri and Acme coated, and had minimal smoking and very easy clean up. The coating added .001 to the stated diam, and Missouri has a no groove 215 45 acp bullet with very wide flat nose. This bullet may offer good option for low recoil vermin load.
I just tried some of those 215 wide flat nose "shop specials" from Missouri, I really like them out of my Model of 1955 using Starline Auto Rim brass.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #12  
Old 04-11-2017, 03:26 PM
robertrwalsh robertrwalsh is offline
SWCA Member
Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Peoples Republic of Calif
Posts: 4,644
Likes: 1,226
Liked 5,988 Times in 2,133 Posts
Default

I have shot a bunch of coated bullets from various manufacturers. I am very happy with them.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #13  
Old 04-11-2017, 03:54 PM
rwsmith's Avatar
rwsmith rwsmith is offline
Member
Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: (outside) Charleston, SC
Posts: 30,918
Likes: 41,503
Liked 29,153 Times in 13,781 Posts
Default This is true....

Quote:
Originally Posted by Maximumbob54 View Post
I've not used that particular brand but I have yet to use any coated bullet and not like it. But I'm curious why their website has them listed as high as they are. Hard to beat MBC's coated bullet prices.
This is very true, UNLESS whoever did the coating did a poor job.
__________________
"He was kinda funny lookin'"
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #14  
Old 04-11-2017, 04:05 PM
Mikeinkaty Mikeinkaty is offline
Member
Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets  
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 329
Likes: 6
Liked 134 Times in 64 Posts
Default

I pour my own bullets and powder coat them and have had no issues at all. And, NO LEADING!! Well, heat control was an issue during pouring. I finally got a Lee melting pot and get real nice looking bullets using dial setting 4. I had been pouring with a hand ladle but it was difficult to control the heat. I'm aiming for 720° - 740° for pouring. Nice shiny bullets with no frosting.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 04-11-2017, 06:47 PM
fredj338's Avatar
fredj338 fredj338 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Kalif. usa
Posts: 6,836
Likes: 2,665
Liked 3,927 Times in 2,366 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Troystat View Post
I use Bayou bullets coated 185 grain SWC for my 1911 bulleye loads they seem to shoot well and are nice to handle and they seem to run clean in my 1911. I don't notice any particular smell.
Bayou a Hi-Tek coated, not poly or powder coated. They can have a slight brake pad smell indoors. I coat my own, both HT & powder coat. There are diff kinds of powder coat, but they all apply the same & seem to work the same on bullets. I load them like a lead bullet & shoot away.
__________________
NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #16  
Old 04-11-2017, 06:50 PM
fredj338's Avatar
fredj338 fredj338 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Kalif. usa
Posts: 6,836
Likes: 2,665
Liked 3,927 Times in 2,366 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by fixitfred View Post
I use Bayou bullets too and push them to the max of cast bullet data and have no leading but do get that chemical smell. I roll crimp my 44 mag hard in the crimp groove and pulled a bullet or two and it doesn't cut into the coating.

My semi auto taper crimps are light and show no significant signs of breaking through the coating. I also went to separate seating and crimp dies to make it easier on me and easier on the coated bullets.

I know they're many plated bullet fans and they have the same issue as hi-tek coated. I get the impression some don't realize the coating is easy to cut into and can lead. I have no data to prove it but I believe hi-tek coating is slightly more forgiving than plated and less likely to cut the coating or leave any residue.
If you break the HT coating, you might get some leading, depends on vel/pressures. If you break the plating on a plated bullet, you will certainly get leading & poor accuracy as the plating strips off during the bullets exit @ high RPM. Easy to see, at close range, like 7yds, you'll find bits of copper stuck in the target paper.
__________________
NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #17  
Old 04-11-2017, 08:07 PM
Harrison Harrison is offline
US Veteran
Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 2,601
Likes: 8,743
Liked 1,813 Times in 797 Posts
Default

I have shot thousands of Bayou Bullets in 9mm, 38 spec, and 45 acp. No problems whatsoever, no residue, and as accurate as any cast bullet. I am sold on the powder coated bullets.
__________________
Can my S&W Mdl 10 shoot +P
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #18  
Old 04-12-2017, 01:44 AM
fredj338's Avatar
fredj338 fredj338 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Kalif. usa
Posts: 6,836
Likes: 2,665
Liked 3,927 Times in 2,366 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Harrison View Post
I have shot thousands of Bayou Bullets in 9mm, 38 spec, and 45 acp. No problems whatsoever, no residue, and as accurate as any cast bullet. I am sold on the powder coated bullets.
Again though, not powder coated. It is a 2-3 part epoxy like matl. It has a color & catalyst with acetone as a carrier.
__________________
NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

Last edited by fredj338; 04-12-2017 at 01:47 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #19  
Old 04-12-2017, 02:50 AM
rwsmith's Avatar
rwsmith rwsmith is offline
Member
Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets Polymer coated bullets  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: (outside) Charleston, SC
Posts: 30,918
Likes: 41,503
Liked 29,153 Times in 13,781 Posts
Default I vote for the Hy tek

I like the Hy tek far more than powder. The results seem much more consistent and less 'tricky' to do well as powder. There is a slight smell with coatings but the smoke and smell isn't nearly as bad as 'lube in groove' bullets. At an indoor range, that counts for something.
__________________
"He was kinda funny lookin'"
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #20  
Old 04-12-2017, 02:45 PM
fredj338's Avatar
fredj338 fredj338 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Kalif. usa
Posts: 6,836
Likes: 2,665
Liked 3,927 Times in 2,366 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by rwsmith View Post
I like the Hy tek far more than powder. The results seem much more consistent and less 'tricky' to do well as powder. There is a slight smell with coatings but the smoke and smell isn't nearly as bad as 'lube in groove' bullets. At an indoor range, that counts for something.
My short exp with both is the HT is easier to work with, less handling & care with the bullets, but bakes twice, so maybe a push time wise. PC will take higher vel with good accuracy, but HT is just easier to handle. I like both, kinda go back & forth for my handguns stuff, but if I had to pick one, PC is cheaper & not proprietary.
__________________
NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Coated lead bullets-Precision Bullets Jamie Reloading 7 07-04-2017 01:14 AM
Ammo Question - Polymer coated lead? Survivor87 Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 3 03-29-2017 05:37 PM
Brinell hardness for polymer coated lead Mikeinkaty Reloading 4 01-11-2017 02:26 PM
coated bullets Vs jacketed bullets Mikeinkaty Reloading 32 12-19-2016 07:43 PM
Coated bullets Nevada Ed Reloading 29 04-02-2016 10:21 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:07 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)