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07-05-2018, 11:55 AM
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Your choice for coated bullets?
A buddy and I are ready to take the plunge and try some coated bullets. We have both been using plated and cast bullets and I cast my own 158 grain SWC I shoot a lot of and some others. They seem to be a nice bridge between cast and plated. I have searched prior posts for coated bullets and don't seem to find all of the answers we are looking for. We are looking for the combination of quality, price, and service. Thanks in advance
Are there differences in coatings used by companies?
Who is your favorite supplier?
If you powder coat your own, is it worth the time and effort?
Are there any downsides to coated bullets?
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07-05-2018, 12:04 PM
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I powder coat my own it's really simple and not to expensive. I'm doing my own casting, if your buying cast bullets I'm not sure there would be much savings VS ones that are already coated.
There really isn't any down side to coated bullets that I have found. you can push them faster with near no leading.
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07-05-2018, 12:10 PM
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Absent Comrade
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Ive shot both Missouri and Badman coated bullets. I think Missouri offers a larger selection of designs and weights. I especially like the Missouri 148 Dewc and the 158 lswc.
I’ve read good reports on Bayou bullets also.
Best bet is to buy a sample pack and try them. I did that before committing to buy 500 without trying them.
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07-05-2018, 12:11 PM
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I am looking at coating my own cast bullets in anticipation of getting a G17 for the GSSF matches that I pull range officer duty at. My start up cost are very reasonable:
Toaster oven from Kohl's - $19
Lee sizer out - $25
Harbor Freight powder coat - $7
I am using existing dies. It is cheaper than buying jacketed bullets or an aftermarket barrel for a Glock.
Keep in mind, once you use any device for baking powder coating, you can never use it for food. Consider buying a toaster oven at a local thrift store or any inexpensive one at a local retailer!
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07-05-2018, 12:23 PM
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If you're already casting you should look into powder coating. What are using today to size and lube your bullets?
There are some variations between the different types of powder coat, but I'd assume anyone selling bullets commercially will be using something appropriate. The biggest concerns are using a powder that will adhere with complete coverage and making sure the bullets are sufficiently baked to ensure that the coating won't flake off.
If I were going to buy powder coated bullets I'd probably go with Missouri Bullet Company.
One downside is that the coating adds some thickness to the bullet. Also it does take some time to set the bullets up on the tray to be baked, however some people forgo this step and just dump the bullets out and cook them as they lie.
One nice thing about coated bullets is the reduced lead exposure. Once coated you can handle the bullets while reloading or at the range loading magazines and clips with out touching bare lead.
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07-05-2018, 12:24 PM
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I've used SnS and Missouri coated bullets in .357,, 9mm, and 45acp.
I've been happy with both companies.
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07-05-2018, 12:36 PM
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I just recently began casting, so I went ahead and started powder coating as well. I do feel it's worth the time and effort, but I'm not shooting thousands of rounds a month.
It's a lot cleaner to handle powder coated bullets instead of lubed bullets during the reloading process.
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07-05-2018, 12:55 PM
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I have shot literally thousands of SNS coated bullets in 9mm, .357, .40S&W, and 45acp. I've never had a problem with them. I used to shoot a lot of plated bullets but just don't find any real advantage to them compared to coated.
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07-05-2018, 12:56 PM
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I've tried Missouri, Bayou and Eggleston. Of the three, I keep returning to Bayou for price and delivery. Bayou also offers some color selection, if that's important to you.
Eggleston offers much greater color selection, also sizing options. In 9mm
they catalog 0.356", 0.357", and 0.358" bullets, also offer 100-count sample bags for trials. I believe that Bayou also offers some sizing selection, but I think that requires special ordering. I'm not sure if Missouri offers that. I did experience some packaging problems with Eggleston.
I like Bayou, especially their swamp-gator green 120 gr.TCG's in 9mm; they shoot very well in my Apex'd M&P Pro. However, not so much their 135 (?) gr. BNWC's in 38 spl. in my Model 14. For some reason, I haven't gotten very good accuracy from them; plated HBWC's (from Berry's) seem to do better. I don't have any particular issues with Missouri, but I keep returning to Bayou. Anyways, that's been my coated bullet experience. -S2
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07-05-2018, 01:06 PM
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A vote here for SNS casting, excellent quality and fast ship. My orders usually ship the same day and being as they’re somewhat local I have it in one or two days.
Even though I have to pay sales tax, I like supporting a local company that helps fight for us gun owners in this anti-gun state.
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07-05-2018, 01:18 PM
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I have been using BadMan Bullets in 9 mm & .38 Special/.357 Magnum. Good QA/QC on their part. Excellent results on mine.
They are GTG.
JPJ
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07-05-2018, 01:42 PM
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Best I have tried hands down are Bayou! Great, fast service and great bullets.
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07-05-2018, 02:17 PM
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I make my own but if I buy it is Bayou or Summers.
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07-05-2018, 02:35 PM
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Coated Bullets
I've have had good luck with Acme bullets out of Wisconsin.
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07-05-2018, 02:58 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by reddog81
If you're already casting you should look into powder coating. What are using today to size and lube your bullets?
There are some variations between the different types of powder coat, but I'd assume anyone selling bullets commercially will be using something appropriate. The biggest concerns are using a powder that will adhere with complete coverage and making sure the bullets are sufficiently baked to ensure that the coating won't flake off.
If I were going to buy powder coated bullets I'd probably go with Missouri Bullet Company.
One downside is that the coating adds some thickness to the bullet. Also it does take some time to set the bullets up on the tray to be baked, however some people forgo this step and just dump the bullets out and cook them as they lie.
One nice thing about coated bullets is the reduced lead exposure. Once coated you can handle the bullets while reloading or at the range loading magazines and clips with out touching bare lead.
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I have both Lyman traditional sizers and the Lee tumble molds using the 45/45/10 juice. In the 158 grain LSWC I have had good success with the Lee sizer and have pretty much gone to this for my 38/357.
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07-05-2018, 03:26 PM
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If the 45/45/10 mix is working for you and you also have the Lyman lubesizers then powder coating is kind of redundant. However the cost isn't too bad and I found powder coating to be far superior to using an Alox mix. I could never make it through a trip to the range without having to come home and scrub at least one barrel. Now I can shoot light .30-06 loads and not even have to worry about leading.
Half the cost of starting up powder coating is getting the appropriate sizing dies.
Last edited by reddog81; 07-05-2018 at 05:38 PM.
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07-05-2018, 03:55 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Huskerguy
I have both Lyman traditional sizers and the Lee tumble molds using the 45/45/10 juice. In the 158 grain LSWC I have had good success with the Lee sizer and have pretty much gone to this for my 38/357.
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Once you switch to coatings, you wont want to go back to smoke mess of alox. I was slow to it but IMO, just makes a better lead bullet.
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07-05-2018, 04:09 PM
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I use Bear Creek or Missouri HiTek, depending on whether I need them right now or if I can just order them and wait. A local shop has the Bear Creek, so I can just pop over and get some if I don't want to wait. They both work about the same, although the Bear Creek coating will rub off on your fingers while reloading and the HiTek doesn't.
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07-05-2018, 08:55 PM
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Moderator SWCA Member Absent Comrade
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The Hi-Tek coating on Missouri Bullets is hard to beat. It's tough as nails and I have never gotten any leading no matter how hard I push them. Give them a try.
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07-05-2018, 09:58 PM
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I would say SNS and Missouri are just about equal and if either stocked all the weights I like, I'd probably stick with just one company. I've had great luck with Summers as well. Just as accurate and much cheaper but limited on weights and design.
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07-05-2018, 10:06 PM
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Leatherhead bullets. Do a search and see what they offer. I have been very satisfied.
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07-06-2018, 09:13 AM
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I don't buy bullets but I do cast my own, have since 1985. I use the traditional lyman 450 luber/sizer along with the tumble lube alox & 45/45/10. Started powder coating my own cast bullets in 2014.
The alox, 45/45/10 & pc (powder coat) use a lee push thru sizer (if needed).
The pc coating is a lot cleaner to use/shoot and doesn't gum up the reloading dies like the 45/45/10, alox & traditional lubes.
You can use softer alloys when casting your own bullets if you pc them. I've ran full house 357/44mags/9mm's with +/- 9bhn alloy with excellent results/accuracy.
PC'd bullets tend to have higher velocities than their traditional lubed or plated counterparts. Typical increase in velocity is 2% for traditional cast/lubed/sized and more for pc vs plated.
It's easier to find accurate loads with the soft pc'd bullets compared to their traditional lubed/sized counterparts & plated bullets.
At the end of the day the pd's bullets run cleaner, are not pressure dependent for the alloy of the bullet & are faster for the same load. A win/win/win that makes for quality range time.
500+ round range session using 125gr pc'd bullets/1100fps+ 9mm loads.
It took 1 wet patch (hoppe's #9) and 1 dry patch to clean the bbl. No brushing needed/required.
200 round range session using 158gr pc'd bullets/15,000+psi 38spl load. Didn't bother to clean anything.
While harbor freight pc will work it pays to spend the extra coin ($$$) and get quality power. Top of the line powder is finer, is easier to get to stick and the coats are flatter/evener.
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07-06-2018, 10:41 AM
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I have used the Bayou and Missouri and find them both very good. I like the Bayou 138 gr. wadcutters for target shooting. They will print tight groups at 50 yds. if you run them around 920 fps. Never had any luck getting smaller than a shotgun pattern out of plated bullets. Jacketed, lubed lead and powder coated will all shoot small groups in my guns.
Last edited by Protocall_Design; 07-06-2018 at 10:43 AM.
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07-06-2018, 10:45 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Forrest r
I don't buy bullets but I do cast my own, have since 1985. I use the traditional lyman 450 luber/sizer along with the tumble lube alox & 45/45/10. Started powder coating my own cast bullets in 2014.
The alox, 45/45/10 & pc (powder coat) use a lee push thru sizer (if needed).
The pc coating is a lot cleaner to use/shoot and doesn't gum up the reloading dies like the 45/45/10, alox & traditional lubes.
You can use softer alloys when casting your own bullets if you pc them. I've ran full house 357/44mags/9mm's with +/- 9bhn alloy with excellent results/accuracy.
PC'd bullets tend to have higher velocities than their traditional lubed or plated counterparts. Typical increase in velocity is 2% for traditional cast/lubed/sized and more for pc vs plated.
It's easier to find accurate loads with the soft pc'd bullets compared to their traditional lubed/sized counterparts & plated bullets.
At the end of the day the pd's bullets run cleaner, are not pressure dependent for the alloy of the bullet & are faster for the same load. A win/win/win that makes for quality range time.
500+ round range session using 125gr pc'd bullets/1100fps+ 9mm loads.
It took 1 wet patch (hoppe's #9) and 1 dry patch to clean the bbl. No brushing needed/required.
200 round range session using 158gr pc'd bullets/15,000+psi 38spl load. Didn't bother to clean anything.
While harbor freight pc will work it pays to spend the extra coin ($$$) and get quality power. Top of the line powder is finer, is easier to get to stick and the coats are flatter/evener.
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So your post now leads me to the next logical question about getting the best powder. As I read these posts and beings that I am kind of a do-it-yourself kind of guy and have the lead, I think there is an obvious next step. Just have to educate myself a bit more.
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07-07-2018, 12:41 AM
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A lot of different places to buy quality pc. I bought pc from smoke over on the cast boolits website in 2014 and again this year. The powder he sells is top of the line and has coated countless 1,000,000's of bullets. A link to smoke's powders.
VS - Hi quality Powder for DT or Spraying bullets
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07-07-2018, 02:24 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Forrest r
A lot of different places to buy quality pc. I bought pc from smoke over on the cast boolits website in 2014 and again this year. The powder he sells is top of the line and has coated countless 1,000,000's of bullets. A link to smoke's powders.
VS - Hi quality Powder for DT or Spraying bullets
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I've been using Eastwood. Decent pricing for the quality and they ship quickly. Good selection. I really like the dark ford blue it matches my pickup :P. I like their bright white and vermillion. The fill out is great and they cover easily with the shake and bake.
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Last edited by ageingstudent; 07-08-2018 at 04:14 AM.
Reason: Typo
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07-07-2018, 02:39 PM
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I like using automotive powder coat that I buy from the Eastwood company. They are having a sale as of right now. When using the powder coating process, you don't need BB's to get the powder coat to stick to the lead. All I use is a #5 bowl. I usually save all of my wife's butter bowls when we empty them. I also use a powder coated trays that my wife got me from bed, bath and beyond which are usually under $5 bucks.
Hotcoat powder coat mirror red, I have pushed this powder coat to the 2000 velocity range in my 357 Mag lever gun with no leading. That is with no gas check either.
Want to learn about powder coating, check out Elvis Ammo on youtube.
elvis ammo
- YouTube
Powder Coating
http://www.eastwood.com/hotcoat-powd...html?limit=all
Powder-Coated 6-Inch x 9-Inch Mesh Drawer Organizer
.ORG Powder-Coated 6-Inch x 9-Inch Mesh Drawer Organizer in Silver - Bed Bath & Beyond
Hotcoat Powder Coat Mirror Red
Hotcoat Powder Coat Mirror Red
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07-07-2018, 02:41 PM
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I have been using Bayou Bullets for more years than I have counted....more than 5. Bayou was one of the first to the US market. I could call and get my bullets sized the way I wanted with very quick turnaround. I am currently using Bayou for 9mm, 38 Short Colt, 40 S&W and 45ACP. The ability to use lead bullets and still see the targets clearly on a humid day is invaluable. I will never forget shooting from prone at 50 yds. on a steamy hot humid day and completely losing visual on the target.
Bayou Bullets are great!
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07-07-2018, 02:53 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ageingstudent
I've been using Eastwood. Decent pricing for the quality and thay ship quickly. Good selection. I really like the dark ford blue it matches my pickup :P. I like their bright white and vermillion. The fill out is great and they cover easily with the shake and bake.
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Eastwood is having a sale on there powder coating right now. Eastwood powder coating is the only PC I use.
http://www.eastwood.com/hotcoat-powd...html?limit=all
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07-07-2018, 03:00 PM
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As an experiment I took one of my SNS bullets and flattened it with a hammer (see pic below). Not so much as a single chip. No coating failure at all.
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07-07-2018, 03:02 PM
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I have been using Hi-Tek coated from Bayou initially then later numerous suppliers that used the Hi-Tek coat. Good stuff! Hardly any to no smoke at all. Not even remotely close to lubed lead. On a few rare humid windless days I may notice a faint burned wire insulation smell only with the initial few shots, but then it goes away. It typically is not noticeable and way more pleasant to load/shoot than lubed lead. I prefer Bayou, SNS, ACME, Blue Bullets, BBI & Missouri.
Coated is modestly slower than lubed lead, so if you run an old favorite recipe it will be a tad slower.
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07-07-2018, 07:50 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by yeti
Coated is modestly slower than lubed lead, so if you run an old favorite recipe it will be a tad slower.
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Are you using a properly sized coated bullet?
My chronograph has always given me a higher velocity using powder coated bullets. Even Hi-Tek(polymer) yields a higher velocity than lubed bullets.
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07-16-2018, 04:29 PM
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Check out the DT method as described on MP-Molds.com in the tips section. I have been having super results. Follow those exactly for best results. I’m using Smoke’s clear and silver white. The colors he recommends for DT or Shake & Bake work well too but I’m over the candy colors. The HF matte black looks great for ES method, don’t try it otherwise. Smoke has done all the trial and error for us so follow his suggestions and save your money!
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07-16-2018, 09:39 PM
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I use Bayou 185 grain swc's in my bullseye pistol and they work well and leave the barrel very clean compared to plain lead bullets.
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07-18-2018, 01:54 PM
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Depending upon the bullet style selected, my top 2 are:
#1 Bayou
#2 Missouri Bullets
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07-20-2018, 12:01 AM
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Bayou
SNS
Missouri
or powder coat your own
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