CZ-82 with lead bullets

acl864 · #1 05-15-2009, 09:56 AM

I just ordered a CZ-82 pistol chambered in 9x18 Makarov - it has the polygonal rifled chrome lined barrel. I know the ammo is cheap but I'm a reloader and I want to reload for it. Jacketed bullets in this diameter are out of stock everywhere I've looked but I can order some 9x18 93 Gr. RNBB bullets from TVB in .364 diameter. I've heard that lead bullets are not compatible with this type of rifling. Probably a dumb question... but Why? Has anyone experimented with lead bullets and polygonal rifling in this or other calibers?

VonFatman · #2 05-15-2009, 11:53 AM

Andy,
You will enjoy that CZ-82...I have an 83 and really enjoy shooting the gun.

I understand that the polygonal rifling "grabs" the lead as the bullet passes and thus loads the barrel faster than regular rifling.

If you are diligent about keeping the barrel clean of the lead build-up, I see no problem. That's what Glock & HK owners do who stay with the stock barrel and shoot lead.

Good luck!

Bob

acl864 · #3 05-15-2009, 12:23 PM

Thanks Bob,
If leading is the only problem I can deal with that. At least until I can get some jacketed or plated bullets to load.

walnutred · #4 05-15-2009, 04:32 PM

I have had a CZ82 for a couple years now and regularly shoot lead bullets. I bought one of the Lee Makarov bullet molds and shoot them unsized with Liquid Alox. My standard loading is 3.5 gns of Bullseye, but as usual you should start lower and work up. Your mileage may vary.

As soon and I get around to determining what size bullet I need I'll buy a sizing die and use White Label BAC. And yes, I do use cut down 9x19 cases for reloading. Those CZ82's throw brass into the next township and I loose at least 1/3rd every outing.

HAWKEYE10 · #5 05-15-2009, 05:20 PM

I buy 9mm from www.precisionbullets.com. They are moly coated and do not break down until 2000fps. I don't think that will happen. I have a glock-34 and shoot them with no problem.check out the web site and you can read about their bullets.I buy 9mm a case at a time [3500] they cost about $61 per thousand, free shipping. That was the price on my last order.

don

acl864 · #6 05-15-2009, 06:41 PM

I'm going to give it a try. I'll get some cast bullets on order- I've already got some Liquid Alox. Glad to hear confirmation that the 9x19 cases can be cut down. I had seen that suggestion posted on another board but the poster had not actually done it. Thanks for the feedback.

acl864 · #7 05-21-2009, 10:42 AM

That load worked out great walnutred. Just curious have you ever ran that load through a chrono? I was going to- but was having so much fun shooting I blasted up all of my first batch of reloads before I got around to it. I also aloxed the bullets prior to loading per your suggestion and had very little leading. Thanks again for the help.

walnutred · #8 05-21-2009, 11:31 AM

No, I've never ran it through a chrono. That load is usually considered just a little on the light side, but it shoots well in my pistol so I stick with it. I suspect it's close to 1000fps though.

Actually I use 3.5gns of BE for 9x18, 9x19 and 38 Special, with appropriate cast bullets. It shoots to point of aim in a lot of fixed sight guns and is accurate.

acl864 · #9 05-22-2009, 11:58 AM

Ironically enough the last thing I had loaded prior to this was- you guessed it- 3.5 gr. Bullseye in a 38 Sp. load. I dropped back to 3.1 and worked up to 3.5 just to be on the safe side. 3.1 and 3.3 grains Bullseye cycled the action just fine too.

I really like this gun. It's a blast to shoot and easier to clean up than most any any other firearm I've ever owned. I'm wondering why more manufacturers don't use polygonal rifling and chrome lining on barrels?

TSQUARED · #10 05-23-2009, 07:27 AM

Have you looked at the Montana Gold website? I purchased somne 124 gr. JHP's in 9mmseveral weeks ago.

Quote:

Originally posted by acl864:
I just ordered a CZ-82 pistol chambered in 9x18 Makarov - it has the polygonal rifled chrome lined barrel. I know the ammo is cheap but I'm a reloader and I want to reload for it. Jacketed bullets in this diameter are out of stock everywhere I've looked but I can order some 9x18 93 Gr. RNBB bullets from TVB in .364 diameter. I've heard that lead bullets are not compatible with this type of rifling. Probably a dumb question... but Why? Has anyone experimented with lead bullets and polygonal rifling in this or other calibers?

walnutred · #11 05-23-2009, 12:48 PM

Makarov.com lists some reloading data for 9x18 and since the data has been in use for over 10 years without known problems it's considered fairly reliable. He has a a BE load with plated bullets that ranges from 3.6gns to 3.8 gns of BE powder.

I was NOT using a plated bullet and NOT using a firearm with cut rifling, so I had two variables from his load data. As I mentioned I already had a measure set for 3.5 gns of BE (10% below his maximum) so that's the load I tried first. It grouped well, shot to point of aim and cycled the action reliably, so I stopped experimenting and started loading.

Just to let you know the thought process behind that load.

acl864 · #12 05-23-2009, 02:04 PM

I was wondering where you're data came from. Since I didn't have another reference I did back off 10% and worked up. Better safe than sorry

I wasn't completely without data since I had some previous experience with Bullseye and loading .380 Auto. I just wasn't sure exactly how that data translated to 9x18.
The only manufacturer's load data I can find online right now for 9x18 is at Hodgdon.com. That suits me fine because I have two powders that they provide data for, HP-38 and Universal, on the shelf. They don't give 95 gr. LRN data either, but I'll back off some on the load recommended for 95 Gr.HDY XTP and work up if needed.
BTW- My first batch of 9mm resized and trimmed for 9x18 worked flawlessly!