22 LR- Lead or Plated for Steel Challenge?

[Macinaw]

Would lead bullets wear less on the rifling that copper plated bullets?

I've been using Federal bulk copper plated. They are cheap and reliable.

I'm using a Smith 617 ten shot with 6 inch barrel. My main concern is shooting out the barrel with wear.

Thanks You! Macinaw

 

[What the]

I wouldn't worry about shooting a .22 barrel out.....Cleaning it will do more harm than shooting it. In over 45 years of shooting revolvers I can't say I've seen a rimfire barrel shot out.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I agree, I have never heard of a .22LR barrel being shot out.

The only advantage to plated bullets IMO is you don't get lead on your fingers when loading magazines but since you are shooting a revolver even that isn't an advantage for you.

IMO use whichever bullet shoots best in your gun and don't worry about plated or not plated.