Browsing the internet looking for prices on some lead bullets, I came across Missouri Bullet Co. All of their projectiles are listed as " Cowboy Velocities " and I can't find the meaning of this. I'm currently reloading some 38 spl and plan on doing more. I'm now using a 158gr LRN with Red Dot powder. Could I use this type bullet? and what would be the difference?
Shopping for 158gr
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I use Missouri Bullet Company's products in several calibers. I'm not sure what the actual definition of Cowboy Velocity is, but I'd say less than 850 fps in a 38 special. Maybe a lot less. Others will know more. That said, they make several different styles, weights, and hardness of lead bullets. Generally speaking, softer lead is better for slower speeds and harder lead for faster/magnum velocities. There are exceptions. Anyway, I use the Cowboy 158 grain at BHN hardness factor of 12 for everything up to speedier 357 magnum, for which they make an Action bullet that is I think BHN 18. I'm very satisfied with my results, with very little or no leading. I don't know what velocities you are getting with Red Dot, but I am guessing you would be quite happy with the Cowboy bullets. Other lead bullet guys will know much more than me about this, and maybe they will chime in with some more info for you
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00Buck2
Member
I do not load to "cowboy velocity". I believe this refers to a reduced load that is compliant with the requirements of the cowboy action shooters club. Some refer to this as a "powder puff load" but I have no experience nor have I loaded or fired reduced loads. I believe it helps to reduce recoil, splatter and possible slag sent back to the shooter while shooting the steel plates at close range.
I have never had a leading problem in my 38 special. I load 158 Missouri 158 RN and SWC in 38 according to what the particular pistol shoots most accurately.
Others with knowledge of the cowboy action shooting can advise further
I have never had a leading problem in my 38 special. I load 158 Missouri 158 RN and SWC in 38 according to what the particular pistol shoots most accurately.
Others with knowledge of the cowboy action shooting can advise further
Clovishound
Member
I've had no experience with Red Dot. I do use 158 grn LWSCs in my .38s. I have used the Hornady 158 grain cowboy bullets. The dry lube they used was less messy than conventional lube. Leading was more pronounced than the 158 grain LSWCs I get from Dardas. I am very happy with results from them. BHN 16 IIRC. Price is good. HP 38 and Universal my favored powders. Faster stuff like Titegroup and Power Pistol give me some leading issues.
ironhead7544
Member
Cowboy loads means generally less than standard loads. There is a limit on velocity for rifle and handgun loads used in a match. The listed start load will be pretty close.
If you do a search you will find plenty of data on the web.
Cowboy bullets sometimes are softer in alloy that bullets meant for high velocity, but this is not always the case. The lever action rifle can be a bit fussy and some bullets are made to function properly in them. The lead RNFP, round nosed flat point, is one of them.
If you do a search you will find plenty of data on the web.
Cowboy bullets sometimes are softer in alloy that bullets meant for high velocity, but this is not always the case. The lever action rifle can be a bit fussy and some bullets are made to function properly in them. The lead RNFP, round nosed flat point, is one of them.
Collo Rosso
Member
I can't remember which bullet companies website but their cowboy bullet selection was to a lower brinell hardness than their other bullets. This is what I would assume if I read made to "cowboy velocities".
Moe Mentum
Member
I use them, and load to standard velocities. No problem
All of their bullets aren't.....
All of their bullets aren't labeled 'Cowboy Action" which are usually no more the 12 Brinell hardness. Their hard cast bullets are about 18 BH and are made for higher velocities. If you want higher velocity in a .38 size bullets look in the .357 magnum section. They make a nice 158 gr. SWC.
All of their bullets aren't labeled 'Cowboy Action" which are usually no more the 12 Brinell hardness. Their hard cast bullets are about 18 BH and are made for higher velocities. If you want higher velocity in a .38 size bullets look in the .357 magnum section. They make a nice 158 gr. SWC.
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fredj338
Member
It's just a softer cast bullet, perfect for any 38sp load you could run. Too many reloaders buy into hard cast, 14-15bhn or more, Just not needed until pressures get around 25k psi. Make sure you get at least 0.358" dia.
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Biggfoot44
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SASS Maxium vel is 1000fps for handguns. Most if not all classes in CAS (generic sense) either don't have power factors , or have a very low (by normal standards) minium velocity , so many competitors go for very light loads for better control/ faster follow up shots.
In the general sense CAS shooters frequently use RNFP bullet shape , for improved feeding in pistol cal lever action rifles.
In the case of Missouri Bullets it simply referes to their usage of a medium hardness alloy instead of a hard alloy. Cast Bullet guys can get into angels on pinheads debates on alloys , and occasionally individual guns will be a law to them selves. That said , a 12BHN should work fine for normal .38spl loads, and there's a lot of theory behind the idea that the 12BHN is preferable.
In the general sense CAS shooters frequently use RNFP bullet shape , for improved feeding in pistol cal lever action rifles.
In the case of Missouri Bullets it simply referes to their usage of a medium hardness alloy instead of a hard alloy. Cast Bullet guys can get into angels on pinheads debates on alloys , and occasionally individual guns will be a law to them selves. That said , a 12BHN should work fine for normal .38spl loads, and there's a lot of theory behind the idea that the 12BHN is preferable.
Vulcan Bob
Member
Those "cowboy" bullets will work just fine for all your .38 Special needs. I used the MBC bullets and found their "Action" bullets to be too hard but their "match" bullets to be just right, I think they are the same hardness as the "Cowboy" bullets.
Swaged bullets for light loads......
For target velocity loads, about 700 to 1000 fps I've used swaged wadcutter and semi wadcutter bullets
Hornady and Speer are the premium makers of swaged bullets but some other outfits, like Magnus, make them.
For target velocity loads, about 700 to 1000 fps I've used swaged wadcutter and semi wadcutter bullets
Hornady and Speer are the premium makers of swaged bullets but some other outfits, like Magnus, make them.
BobR1
Member
I load lots of Cowboy 11's, and 15's for Defensive Pistol, Reactive Steel Challenge, as well as ICORE. No problem taking the Missouri Bullet Cowboy 158's to 850 fps at all.
As was said above they are as hard as you need them to be for any 38 Special load. Using Red Dot I doubt you are at the maximum velocity range for 38 Special +P loads.
Bob
As was said above they are as hard as you need them to be for any 38 Special load. Using Red Dot I doubt you are at the maximum velocity range for 38 Special +P loads.
Bob
