9mm hard cast

[Jc85]

I just ordered 500 125 grain hard cast round nose from midway last night. While im not entirely Brand new to the world of reloading I am to using lead. This topic has been touched on time and time again but I was hoping for just a few pointers on the actual loading process.. Do I need to lightly lube these bullets? before or after I run them through my carbide dies..?

thanks

 

[Jamie]

I'm no expert, just started reloading with lead, the ones I got from Space Coast Bullets are already lubed, from what I've seen, most commercially available lead bullets are pre-lubed. Once you've decided on a 'recipe', load one, make sure it drops into the barrel and spaces off the case. I had an issue with one of my guns, a Kel Tec PF9, real short 'throat', had to find a new 'recipe' with a shorter OAL.

 

[Jc85]

yea If the same bullet weight and type isnt in front of me in print I get all nervous.. =)

 

[TNFrank]

The carbide sizing die has nothing what so ever to do with the bullets, only the cases and NO, you won't need to lube your cases. Just check a good loading manual for information on how many grains and what kind of powder to use and take it from there. For lead bullets it's good to stick with a medium to slower powder, avoid faster powders since they can cause leading of the barrel because of their fast burn rate.
I like Unique for lead bullets, I've used it for years and always had good results with it. Just make sure you stick with a medium or hotter load, light loads with Unique will give you a lot of unburned powder in the barrel.

 

[hawgleg]

Yeah, with the price of plated or jacketed bullets now days, I think I'm going to change over to lead with my 9mm's. I believe most all lead bullets come lubed from the bullet companies now.

Which one's did you buy? I think I'll try 3 or 4 different bullet makers so let us know how they work out for you.

 

[Jamie]

yea If the same bullet weight and type isnt in front of me in print I get all nervous.. =)

LOL, I hear ya brother, seems like several different manuals are needed to get the right 'recipe', kinda fun trying to come up with the right #s to load with, unfortunately if you figure wrong.... Seems like having a Lee Modern Reloading, Lyman, info from the powder companies, (I got some good info from Alliant with a 'out of the norm' reload), along with what can be got from the bullet manufacturers themselves along with info from TRUSTED and PROVEN forum buddies is the way to go.

 

[TNFrank]

You can always learn to cast your own. I have a buddy that owns a tire shop, I can get wheel weights for free whenever I need them. I started casting bullets quite a few years ago and whenever I get a new gun I not only pick up a set of reloading dies I also get a Lee bullet mold and lube/sizer kit. Then I can turn all those wheel weights into bullets and load up a box of ammo for the cost of primers and powder alone, normally under $3 bucks a box of 50. Just saying, why buy bullets when you can make em' yourself.

 

[Jamie]

Yeah, with the price of plated or jacketed bullets now days, I think I'm going to change over to lead with my 9mm's. I believe most all lead bullets come lubed from the bullet companies now.

Which one's did you buy? I think I'll try 3 or 4 different bullet makers so let us know how they work out for you.

I bought 500 each of 9mm and .38 special from Space Coast Bullets, so far so good. I've loaded and shot 50 each, the 9mm shot out of 3 guns, Sigma, PF9, Kel Tec Sub 2000 carbine, the .38 out of a S&W snubbie. My first ever reloads, they all went bang and the guns still work! Some others I've heard good things about, Precision Delta, Bayou Bullets, Missouri Bullets.

 

[hawgleg]

My first ever reloads, they all went bang and the guns still work!

Congrats on your first reloads. To come back from the range with a grin and all your fingers is priceless. Welcome to a great hobby and thanks for the info on the bullet makers.

 

[BW64]

Here's another lead bullet source: alphabravobullets.com.

 

[JohnK]

I'm also no expert, but spent a inordinate amount of time trying lead bullets in the 9mm.

Didn't work. How do you spell LEADING ! Tried about every thing under the sun, not satisfactory.

The 9mm operates at over 30,000 PSI, a LONG way from a 12,000 PSI .38 Special load, or a .45 Colt load.

Pressure equals heat, and heat melts the snot out of lead bullet bases.The copper washed bullets might do better, but I just hunt for a bulk "deal" on jacketed bullets, and avoid the problem altogether.

Just my humble opinion, for whatever it's worth.

 

[fredj338]

I'm also no expert, but spent a inordinate amount of time trying lead bullets in the 9mm.

Didn't work. How do you spell LEADING ! Tried about every thing under the sun, not satisfactory.

The 9mm operates at over 30,000 PSI, a LONG way from a 12,000 PSI .38 Special load, or a .45 Colt load.

Pressure equals heat, and heat melts the snot out of lead bullet bases.The copper washed bullets might do better, but I just hunt for a bulk "deal" on jacketed bullets, and avoid the problem altogether.

Just my humble opinion, for whatever it's worth.

Not true at all. Recover lead bullets & you'll see very little if any "melting" of the base. No, leading comes primarily from poor fit of the bullet to the bbl. A 0.356" bullet may be too SMALL for your 9mm. Many guys are loading 0.357" or even 0.358" with good results. If you run full power loads, the bullet alloy will likely want to be harder/tougher, but really good results can be had for ANY handgun @ ANY resaonable vel. Many guys are shooting lead bullets in rifles @ moderate rifle pressures & getting good results. I run 350gr bullets in my 1895GG @ 1600fps w/ no leading, 1250fps in the 357sig & all the way to 1400fps in the 44mag w/ great results. You just have to get everything right.

 

[Jc85]

yea I wanted to slug my barrel before I went into lead.. Never got around to it tho and just ordered .356