Jacketed or not in an antique

[Tberd]

Hi I'm new to reloading I have 44 Russian S&W DA antique and have decided to reload I bought what the clerk told me was lead bullets they turned out to be copper jacketed will using them damage my barrel or should I exchange them for the lead ones or just load the copper jacketed thanks for any advice by the way it 4 hr drive to the reloading store

[OKFC05]

Welcome to reloading. If you could provide specific information, someone on here could probably help.
Exactly what brand, type , weight, bullet did you buy? There are JACKETED, and there are copper PLATED, and they are quite different in load data. The copper plated bullets are quite soft, with a thin copper coat; I load a lot of them in .38. With a mild load, don't see why they could not be used in an old gun, provided the gun has been inspected and is in good firing condition. If in doubt as to the gun's condition, consult a qualified gunsmith.

[MichiganScott]

I'd use them up if they are plated for the reasons that OKFC05 has stated, but look for non-plated bullets in the future.

Old steel does not stand up as well to genuine copper jackets as does modern steel. Lead is malleable and a lot easier to find good light loads with because it will bump up in a slightly oversized bore. That being said, if your barrel is pitted you may end up having to shoot jacketed because of leading.

Good luck and enjoy.

[H Richard]

While the copper "plated", not jacketed could be usable in your gun, lead is not going to hurt your gun loaded appropriately. But keep the loads on the minimum side due to the age of the gun.

[Tberd]

K the bullets are cam pro 44 240gr FCP TC is what's marked on the box of 500

[Tom S.]

Originally Posted by Tberd

K the bullets are cam pro 44 240gr FCP TC is what's marked on the box of 500

Google is your friend. According to Cam Pro's Web site, their bullets are copper plated, not jacketed.

[rwsmith]

Light loads

Soft swaged lead bullets, coated cast bullets around 12 brinnel (not hard) are all available online. Speer and Hornady make swaged bullets with a dry lube that works well at lower velocities.

In a .38 a light charge of Bullseye makes a great target load with 148 -158 grain Wadcutter, Semi Wadcutters and RN bullets.

Softer lead bullets wont hurt any barrel if lubed or coated well. I sold a model 10 that I had shot more than a few thousand mostly target loads through and the dealer couldn't believe how good the barrel looked.

Find a few good mail order places and you wont have to make that long trip and the selection is greater. Sometimes the prices and shipping balance each other out.

[Nevada Ed]

This is and interesting article......

http://www.sixguns.com/tests/tt44russ.htm

[alwslate]

Originally Posted by Tberd

Hi I'm new to reloading I have 44 Russian S&W DA antique and have decided to reload I bought what the clerk told me was lead bullets they turned out to be copper jacketed will using them damage my barrel or should I exchange them for the lead ones or just load the copper jacketed thanks for any advice by the way it 4 hr drive to the reloading store

If you're new to reloading there is one thing you absolutely
need to know if you don't want to damage the barrel of your
antique revolver. Your handloads are likely to be light and
lead bullets are by far the best because they will exit your
barrel at very low velocity. Jacketed or plated bullets have
far more resistance to passing through the bore and may
very likely stick in the bore at low velocity. The next shot
results in a bulged (damaged) barrel. If not noticed and
more shots are fired the barrel will be totally ruined or
even split. Many old revolvers have been ruined this way.
If you're going to shoot plated bullets make SURE each shot
clears the barrel. BTW there is no need to drive 4 hrs to a
GS to buy bullets when there are several net vendors that
will deliver thousands of lead bullets to your front door at
very good prices.

[Tberd]

Thanks Nevada Ed that was a good read and lots of useful information

[Nemo288]

All the commercial 44 Russ ammo (example):
44 Russian Ammo - In-Stock Pistol Rounds for Sale
uses a 200 grain LEAD flat nose.
These are available in a softer alloy from several of the bullet casters.
Penn Bullets
I shoot a similar bullet in a slightly harder alloy in the 44 Special.
All the above advice from the previous posters is cogent.

For information ONLY:
I would not use any of these loads except maybe the 650 fps ones.
44 S&W Russian Powder Weight /Velocity Data for the 200gr RNFPbb