Lead versus Plated bullets

[Honey Badger]

So I have been studying up on load data for both .38 special, and .357 magnum. I am seeing different minimum and maximum loads for lead and plated bullets. So here’s the dumb question of the day. What is the difference in the two that changes load data? I mean besides the obvious? Thanks in advance.

 

[HiredHand]

I think it’s because lead projectiles have a greater amount of friction with the bore of the barrel which increases the amount of pressure that develops as the powder burns.

 

[bambihunter]

Basically what HiredHand said. Also, due to that friction, lead will tend to stick and smear onto the barrel. That is largely what gas checks were to prevent. I can load my 10mm auto at ~75% power using plated bullets. I stick below that for all lead. Berry's state they can go higher, but I could see they were starting to deform and leading when pushed. I think they'd be perfect for slower rounds like .45 acp.

 

[Honey Badger]

Is there a good way to stop leading without using gas checks? The place I bullets from doesn’t seem to have them. Thanks again,

 

[HiredHand]

Yes, go here and start reading. http://www.lasc.us/articlesfryxell.htm

 

[Honey Badger]

Yes, go here and start reading. http://www.lasc.us/articlesfryxell.htm

I am shooting 38 spl loads out of a 357. What I have read says it isn’t really necessary to worry about leading as long as you aren’t shooting magnum loads. Does that sound accurate?

 

[Fyrtwuck]

Also consider that the powder load for the extra velocity generates more heat. I made the mistake during my casting days of loading .357 too hot with bullets that were too soft. It takes a long time to get lead out of the rifling.

 

[Honey Badger]

Also consider that the powder load for the extra velocity generates more heat. I made the mistake during my casting days of loading .357 too hot with bullets that were too soft. It takes a long time to get lead out of the rifling.

I understand. I am assuming that based on this information leading shouldn’t be a problem for 38 or 357.

 

[Uncle TK]

Old School
Lead bullets were swaged (Very Soft Lead) and leading was a big problem

New School
Hard Cast: Lead - tin - antimity Brinell hardness 18 or higher to get rid of the leading problem
Gas checks are not need unless you have very high velocities

 

[Fyrtwuck]

That was back in the early days of my casting. I was using only wheel weights. After cleaning the lead out of my barrel a few times I backed off the powder to puff target loads and the leading decreased significantly.