Can lead bullets be fired from a .45 auto?

[cmort666]

The ONLY jacketed bullets I have for my M1911s (and my S&W 25-2) are commercial JHP self-defense loads. The ONLY ammunition I shoot from any of my .45s on a regular basis is loaded with 200gr. LSWCs. I've been using them since 1980.

 

[dmar]

Ok, so here's a dumb question from a new center-fire reloader; based on hearing from you guys that you've been shooting thousands of cast bullets, over years of time, can assume that I won't have "leading" problems when using cast bullets? I have traditionally used only jacketed bullets, so I'm not sure if cast bullets can lead-up a barrel... I would imagine that velocity and cleaning protocol would have an impact on this, correct?

Please let me know your thoughts, as I am considering ordering a batch of cast bullets, and just want to know what to expect.

Thank You

 

[jp zanoya]

I have lost track of the number of thousands of 200gr cast bullets I have fired through my Colts, Ruger, S&W and Detonics over the last 25 years.
I have never had much of a problem with leading. The only time I recall it being an issue was with Hornady swaged bullets, which are much softer than cast.
We were always told that running some jacketed bullets after the lead would "clean out" your bore, but some dispute this...

 

[OKFC05]

Originally posted by dmar:
can assume that I won't have "leading" problems when using cast bullets? I have traditionally used only jacketed bullets, just want to know what to expect.

Thank You

Here's your HOT TIP:

Clean out ALL the copper from your barrel with a good copper solvent BEFORE shooting any lead bullets.

Otherwise, you will make a mess when the lead sticks to the copper (like soldering your copper water pipes).

Clean all the lead residue out before going back to jacketed.

"Shooting out the lead" with jacketed bullets gets out the big chunks, but lawdy' mercy does it make a mess of the part that is left!

If you use the solvent and keep the barrel clean, you can shoot lead by the ton and keep smiling.

 

[cmort666]

Originally posted by dmar:
Ok, so here's a dumb question from a new center-fire reloader; based on hearing from you guys that you've been shooting thousands of cast bullets, over years of time, can assume that I won't have "leading" problems when using cast bullets? I have traditionally used only jacketed bullets, so I'm not sure if cast bullets can lead-up a barrel... I would imagine that velocity and cleaning protocol would have an impact on this, correct?

Please let me know your thoughts, as I am considering ordering a batch of cast bullets, and just want to know what to expect.

Thank You

You won't have a problem as long as you keep the velocities down to a reasonable level. I've heard that you can get leading from WAY too slow too, but I can't swear to that.

 

[harry carey]

an undersized bullet leads more than the proper size. h&g68 usually is loaded 1.250-1.255 OAL. bullseye works as do others. when you are ready for light loads you will need to learn about recoil springs.

 

[Gutpile Charlie]

I have had great luck shooting 230 gr. round nose lead bullets in both my 1911 and my Ruger P-97.

These bullets duplicate the 230 FMJ and feed just as well. I don't remember the specific load, however I use Herc Unique.

Been using that load for nearly 30 years and it works every time.

 

[bob1981]

Thanks for all the great replies i obviously have my answer. Thanks.