First time using coated cast

[__steve__]

I always liked MB 400 gr cast crushers. Performed well with the 3.5" 500 >50yds, had no GC, 18 on the hardness scale, and no leading if followed up with a jacketed or plated load. Then my supply ran out. The only ones available now are the HyTek, same bullet without the lube and with the coating. I gave it a try and had less desirable results. No leading except for the last inch of barrel and just as accurate but it felt like I was sandblasting my face, still had lead smoke, smelled like I a slipping clutch and the gun was filthy after. I wanted to compare these to the others but it appears my chronograph had disappeared! Yes, I lost a chronograph.

I shot about 20 of them and used video frame to estimate about 1200fps average for 100yds, so maybe 1500 muzzle (plus or minus a lot)
I'll include a picture of the byproduct that passed through the gas ring gasket thing and a video of the accuracy.

For the coated bullets is it normal to have a sandblasting facial treatment in addition to poly coating gun surfaces inside-out?

Gallon of water at 100 yards, 400 gr at 1500 fps - YouTube

 

[Paul in Nevada]

Is it possibly your seating or crimping methods are damaging the coating? Maybe pull a loaded bullet and see.

 

[rockquarry]

With regard to handgun bullets...I don't know what is available from commercial casters; maybe a coated bullet is the best that can be had. However, a conventionally lubed cast bullet that fits and is of the right alloy for the load will work at least as well from an accuracy perspective as a coated (or jacketed) bullet, perhaps even better and leading should not be a problem.

 

[mikld]

I have PCed many, but for smaller calibers (44 Magnum largest I PC/shoot). As mentioned above, cutting the coating during seating or heavy crimping can lead to the OP's problems. Not sure how coating will survive in a howitzer though (500 S&W?) I have loaded and shot many Hi-Tec coated bullets with zero problems, but in 357 Mag and 45 ACP...

 

[__steve__]

Thanks,
I expanded the flare extra, like 0.006 on these cases to seat better, and limp wrist crimped them. I'll inspect the bore/barrel alignment and the forcing cone for unusual wear.

 

[reddog81]

Sounds like the coating is failing. I only use powder coat and have never touched HiTek bullets. Lately I've been working on a 350 grain bullet in 450 bushmaster going 1,500 FPS with no leading. I would assume HyTek coated bullets should work OK if done correctly

 

[__steve__]

Sounds like the coating is failing. I only use powder coat and have never touched HiTek bullets. Lately I've been working on a 350 grain bullet in 450 bushmaster going 1,500 FPS with no leading. I would assume HyTek coated bullets should work OK if done correctly

Do you experience any lead smoke (of course less than with standard cast, but some nonetheless) or does it blast like it was jacketed?

 

[Paul in Nevada]

You know I'm wondering if this coating is not meant to stand up to 500S&W pressures and velocities.

 

[reddog81]

Do you experience any lead smoke (of course less than with standard cast, but some nonetheless) or does it blast like it was jacketed?

No more smoke than jacketed in my experience.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Sounds like the coating is failing. I only use powder coat and have never touched HiTek bullets. Lately I've been working on a 350 grain bullet in 450 bushmaster going 1,500 FPS with no leading. I would assume HyTek coated bullets should work OK if done correctly

I agree. When the leading is in the last inch of the barrel your lube is usually running out. In this case the coating is failing before the bullet leaves the barrel with similar results of the lube running out.

I would suggest contraction Missouri Bullets and tell then what is happening. They may need to change their coating procedure.

 

[__steve__]

I agree. When the leading is in the last inch of the barrel your lube is usually running out. In this case the coating is failing before the bullet leaves the barrel with similar results of the lube running out.

I would suggest contraction Missouri Bullets and tell then what is happening. They may need to change their coating procedure.

Thanks, I think will

 

[jcelect]

Coating

If you are shooting into a dirt backstop, retrieve a couple of your bullets to see if the coating is still mostly intact. With my 44 mag the powder coating is intact if it does not hit a rock or hard object.
jcelect

 

[__steve__]

Resolved with just a phone call

Called manufacturer of bullet and they sent out a new box. They recognized the issue and aware of the cause. He asked if they were gritty, not slick, which they were (not slick). I didn't recognize this as an issue before loading them, no experience with coated, so I assumed they were goot.

Unfortunately I have to unload remaining 50 loads.

Below is a good snapshot of lead breaching the muzzle.

 

[IAM Rand]

I have used home brew 250 gr SWC with a powder coating on it in my 460 mag. No problems with leading or excess fowling. Fairly good on the accuracy but, still working it tighter. I am using Eastwood powder coat.

 

[Peak53]

steve - glad MB was on top of this. Sounds like they had a bad batch. I've loaded thousands of their Hy-Tek in 38/357/44 special/44 mag/9 mm with excellent results. I hope you get the same.

 

[__steve__]

steve - glad MB was on top of this. Sounds like they had a bad batch. I've loaded thousands of their Hy-Tek in 38/357/44 special/44 mag/9 mm with excellent results. I hope you get the same.

Yes, he said it was likely a bad batch that occurred during a brief stint of equipment repair. They were happy to send new ones out no questions, in fact they shipped it out minutes after the phone call. I will still be a customer because of how well their 400 gr crushers work with the 3.5" and H110