FMJ vs LEAD
- Thread starter vytoland
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Yes, but don't lose any sleep over it.
Few people besides the silhouette shooters (who pour endless rounds of HOT jacketed loads through) ever wear out a handgun barrel, and the rest of the gun is usually worn out anyway.
Rifle barrels are a different story due to more powder and higher pressure, but I have seen old military rifles with no rifling left for several inches in front of the chamber still shoot 3 or 4 inch groups at 100 yards.
Few people besides the silhouette shooters (who pour endless rounds of HOT jacketed loads through) ever wear out a handgun barrel, and the rest of the gun is usually worn out anyway.
Rifle barrels are a different story due to more powder and higher pressure, but I have seen old military rifles with no rifling left for several inches in front of the chamber still shoot 3 or 4 inch groups at 100 yards.
Texas Star
US Veteran
Elmer Keith wrote that jacketed bullets would wear out a barrel in 5,000 rounds. But barrels were softer then, and corrosive priming may have been a culprit.
Littledragon777
Member
I surely have put more than that through my 28-2 and she still shhots better than I can hold.
I'm not sure where you begin experiencing significant barrel wear with jacketed bullets, but it is far north of 10,000 rounds. It just isn't anything to worry about anyway! If a barrel wears out, just have another one installed. It isn't a big deal.
kbm6893
Member
Cleaning the leaded barrels sucks, so I avoid them.
aterry33
Member
I have heard people say:
1) Shooting FMJ ammo wears out a barrel more quickly than lead.
2) Shooting lead wears out a barrel more quickly than FMJ, because you have to work harder to scrub the lead out of the barrel.
Not sure which I believe.
However, I have shot many many thousands of rounds of FMJ without ever having a problem.
1) Shooting FMJ ammo wears out a barrel more quickly than lead.
2) Shooting lead wears out a barrel more quickly than FMJ, because you have to work harder to scrub the lead out of the barrel.
Not sure which I believe.
However, I have shot many many thousands of rounds of FMJ without ever having a problem.
kcoruol
Member
I never had any problem with leading in my barrel but then I load my own. Of course it goes without saying a FMJ is usually loaded hotter than lead. Lead is also a heck of a lot cheaper too. I suppose if I'm just shooting a box of rounds once in a while I'd prefer FMJ. I usually like to shoot several hundred rounds a week so lead is the way to go for me. It comes down to economics. Do I need to spend $25/box to put holes in paper or can I get by with spending $55/500 rounds to do the same thing? Now store bought lead round ammo does seem to be loaded hot though and I have had leading problems with that. In that case I'd spend a little more for the FMJ.
Bottom line is, if you like to shoot, load your own. You'll probably see your accuracy increase by loading your own as well. I know I have. Don't know why though. Up front cost is maybe $500. But after that you'll easily make it back in no time by loading your own.
Bottom line is, if you like to shoot, load your own. You'll probably see your accuracy increase by loading your own as well. I know I have. Don't know why though. Up front cost is maybe $500. But after that you'll easily make it back in no time by loading your own.
