160 grain lead SWC and Unique

[David LaPell]

I picked up some 160 grain lead SWC's for use in my .357. I have never used bullets with a gascheck before. It is true that they incrase the pressure versus a bullet without gaschecks. I have read up on some loads and I have decided that I am going to try a load of 7.0 grains with this bullet as it falls in the middle of the road between minimum and max loads, I am hoping for about 1,250 fps out of my 5-inch Smith 27.

 

[David LaPell]

I picked up some 160 grain lead SWC's for use in my .357. I have never used bullets with a gascheck before. It is true that they incrase the pressure versus a bullet without gaschecks. I have read up on some loads and I have decided that I am going to try a load of 7.0 grains with this bullet as it falls in the middle of the road between minimum and max loads, I am hoping for about 1,250 fps out of my 5-inch Smith 27.

 

[Guest]

David; The biggest advantage to the gas check is that it does help to reduce leading. Most Leading comes from one of two things. Bullets that are too soft or bullets that are driven too hard and the burning powder causes the base of the bullet to melt and produce Leading. Gas Checks help.

 

[Skip Sackett]

Most Leading comes from one of two things. Bullets that are too soft or bullets that are driven too hard

The most common problem with commercially cast bullets and leading is that they are too hard and under driven. Not the other way around.

Too soft of bullets are usually swaged and there is really only one company that does that en mass anymore, Speer.

Folks get cast bullets then try to drive them under 800fps and wonder why they lead the barrel like crazy. It is because they don't obturate.

There are many here that cast soft bullets and drive them to 1000fps with no leading at all.

Gas checks, what are they?

I haven't found a need for them yet in a handgun. I shoot my cast bullets to 1800fps from a carbine without leading, why use gas checks?

 

[bogman]

Just got through testing my favorite loads over my new "Chrono" Ga. Arms 158gr. cast SWC, with 6.3 grs. Unique. 6" S&W #19 averaged 1100fps.
5.5grs. from my S&W #10heavy bbl. avg. 1045fps.
I only use Unique & cast SWC bullets. very accurate in all my guns.

 

[Paul5388]

Too soft of bullets are usually swaged and there is really only one company that does that en mass anymore, Speer.

I think you'll find Hornady's lead bullets are swaged as are Remington's.

I sold the only gas check mould I had for handgun bullets. Like Skip said, I don't have leading problems at 1750 fps or so, which made me think I didn't need a gas check for anything I'm going to be shooting.

I clocked a Lyman 358429 out of my M28-2 at 1420 fps and it was cast from 50/50 clip-on to stick-on wheel weights. That's just about the only alloy I use, even on rifle bullets, but they all have gas checks.

 

[Skip Sackett]

I think you'll find Hornady's lead bullets are swaged as are Remington's.

Well, there isn't anyone that has ever stocked any of those brands in our area, that's why I didn't know about them!

Are they still making them?

Like most small gun stores that sell reloading components in our area, there is a semi-local commercially cast bullet available usually. Seldom do they stock any others. A round ball here and there. Jacketed from all sources except some of the "bulk" suppliers.

What do they say? Ignorance is bliss!

 

[Vanilla Gorilla]

Originally posted by Paul5388:


I clocked a Lyman 358429 out of my M28-2 at 1420 fps and it was cast from 50/50 clip-on to stick-on wheel weights.

[Thread hijack] How are you loading such a round, with the short cylinder? Crimping over the bullet shoulder?

I desperately need a 358429 mould.


To bring this back on topic, I have driven a TVB 158 up to around 1400 with no leading, as well. My .44 bullets hit 1300 fps over a hefty dose of 2400, and I get little to no leading from them, as well. (straight clip-on WWs, water-dropped)

 

[David LaPell]

Vanilla, in my 27-2 loading the 358429, make sure that you're brass is right at trim length, and you will be able to get the crimp right on the crimp groove. It's a tight fit, but it does fit.

 

[Guest]

One of the many things I never have understood about Smith & Wessons is the fact that the Model 27/28(the "N" Frames) has a cylinder length of 1.625 while the Model 19(and other "K" Frames) has a cylinder length of 1.675. This is one of those 'Head Scratcher' kind of things.

 

[Paul5388]

How are you loading such a round, with the short cylinder? Crimping over the bullet shoulder?

VG, I use a taper crimp and seat deep enough for it to chamber. That doesn't go quite over the front driving band.

Skip,

Hornady lead bullets are pre-lubricated, extra-hard and cold swaged for total uniformity and balance. The exclusive knurling system retains lubricant over the entire bearing surface to reduce leading in your barrel. The Wadcutter design features a sharp shoulder which is made to cut a clean, round hole in a paper target. Perfect for paper target shooting.

Hornady swaged bullet

Remington bullet