From doing research awhile ago on another firearm, I seemed to recall that some barrels were rifled with lead rounds in mind and some were rifled with jacketed rounds in mind.

For example, I seem to recall that the *@#$* gp1xx revolver [some names aren't supposed to be mentioned here, right? ] was designed around a jacketed bullet, and achieved best accuracy with jacketed rounds. Something about the bore diameter, or the depth of the rifling cuts?

I know my Interarms imported *ossi 951 [looks diamondback-esque for the barrel, with s&w-esque guts, with coil spring] is supposed to only be used for lead rounds, and not jacketed, although I am not exactly sure why. [if anyone can explain why lead but no jacketed rounds, I would appreciate it.]

SO, I am now wondering about the 10-6 that is soon to be mine [after 30 day consignment hold, I can begin my DROS 10 day wait- gotta love California! ]

I see it had sights that were regulated to the 158 LRN or SWC round, and [I think it was supposed to be moving around 800 ft/sec, but could use clarification on that also] I take that to mean that it was designed for lead rounds.

However, do I need to have any concerns regarding jacketed rounds, or all copper barnes-type bullets [or buffalo-bore non-lead outdoorsman type]?

thank you all

The only problem I've seen with the S&W barrels made after about 1993 with the ECM process is that with lead bullets, you need enough hardness and right size so you don't leave lead deposits in the barrel. Broach cut rifling is a bit more forgiving with soft lead.

You can shoot any good-quality bullet you want in your S&W: lead, coated, plated, jacketed with appropriate loads. I shoot plated by the bushel.

As always , I recommend cleaning ALL the metal fouling out of the barrel when switching types of bullets. Copper fouling from plated and jacketed bullets is hard to see: the bore looks clean but dull.

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Science plus Art

I've shot both jacketed and lead interchangeably in my M10-6 without thinking much about it. No noticeable problems.

Let me add that I am not a serious competitive target shooter. But then the M10-6 probably isn't considered a serious competitive target revolver. So we are a good match.

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You're shy a few manners.

I have shot lead from a 10-6, 581, 19-4 and 14-2. All low velocity. No problems.

Baaaaaaa....shoot what you got. Clean and repeat as needed.

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John 3:16 .

Helpful information about leading vs velocity vs bullet hardness can be found in lead bullet manuals. .
Long ago there was some story going around that firing copper jacketed bullets after lead ones would clean out the lead, True?? I doubt it, that would be too easy. Probably copper & lead form a super fouling when combined.

Thanks all!