45ACP. Lead cast bullets. BRN differences.

[vujade]

Hello.

 

I have been using Missouri Bullet Company's 45 ACP lead bullets - "IDP #1 "Major Power Factor".  It has a BRN of 18. I've been using 3.9 or 4.3 grains of bullseye powder, and they work well.

 

I just received a box where I ordered more.  I ordered a different kind I guess by accident.  These are called "Bullseye #1 For Target Velocities".  It has a BRN of 12.

 

It's the same weight (200 grains) and type (Semi Wadcutter).

 

I know I'll find out when I load some and test but for those who have experience here, will there be a difference?  Do I need to start a load development process again? 

 

I'm just hitting paper so I assume the less hard bullseye bullets should be fine.  What is "Major power factor"? does that mean the BRN 18 are for bullets you want more powder/powder?  (you can load them hotter than the softer rounds)?

 

[Dolomite_supafly]

You will probably find your leading problem will diminish. I would tumble lube them with Lee Alox, trust me.

 

They think the harder bullets can be pushed harder and they can but in a pistol like 45 ACP there is no need for a hard bullet. I had a leading problem with the 18 brn bullets. I called them and they kept saying I needed to push them harder. I quite when those 200 grain bullets were getting real close to 1,100 fps. And I still had leading. It was because they were too hard and didn't obturate well.

 

The only time I have seen leading with a properly lubed bullet is when I was shooting pure lead. You need a soft bullet to prevent leading.

 

If it leads at the chamber end then the bullet is too hard or undersized or both for the bore. If it is leading at the muzzle then the velocity is too high.

 

Dolomite

[vujade]

Thank you!  I'll try those bullets this weekend.  I get a little leading a few mm from from the start, the middle and end (muzzle) are clean.   I'll report back.  I won't change any powder weights nor re do load development; I'll use what I've been using then.

 

I'll also get the Lee Alox stuff; I think I saw that at a LGS recently.  Just squirt in a little bin and tumble a bunch of bullets (and then dry of course) I assume?

[Dolomite_supafly]

Take 1/2 the bullets then add what you think is enough Alox. Swirl around then add the rest of the bullets, without any more Alox, and tumble some more. A few minutes max. Then let them sit in the container and shake a couple of times a day for a couple of days.

 

Dolomite

[j2flan]

4grs of BE is a target load for the 200gr lswc. That is what MBC made that bullet alloy for. They are already lubed, won`t do you any good to add more lube. I would think your loads will be fine

.

I have shot a "ga-zillion"  of the 200gr. lswc, mostly from MASTERCAST, But, 1000s  from PENN, MBC, and S&S which are 17/18 BHN or 12/14  BHN and found no more, or less, leading with target loads ranging from 3.5 gr of BE, to 4.5 grs. If the bullet is correctly lubed and sized and driven at speeds that are in the ball park for target loads, and you get a lot of leading, it is more than likely not the bullet.

 

Bottom line,  MBC bulids a good bullet, with the loads you stated, I would think, your concern would be about accuracy. Best of luck

Edited March 20, 2013 by j2flan

[Dolomite_supafly]

4grs of BE is a target load for the 200gr lswc. That is what MBC made that bullet alloy for. They are already lubed, won`t do you any good to add more lube. I would think your loads will be fine

.

I have shot a "ga-zillion"  of the 200gr. lswc, mostly from MASTERCAST, But, 1000s  from PENN, MBC, and S&S which are 17/18 BHN or 12/14  BHN and found no more, or less, leading with target loads ranging from 3.5 gr of BE, to 4.5 grs. If the bullet is correctly lubed and sized and driven at speeds that are in the ball park for target loads, and you get a lot of leading, it is more than likely not the bullet.

 

Bottom line,  MBC bulids a good bullet, with the loads you stated, I would think, your concern would be about accuracy. Best of luck

 

Might want to try it. MBC lube is there for looks more than for lube. I fought a leading problem with their bullets for years until I lubed them with Alox on the advice of a long time cast bullet shooter. Leading when away with no other changes.

 

I have found the MBC bullets tend to be a bit small for some guns. I cast my own now and try to run .002" over the slugged bore diameter.

[RED333]

I only lube with Alox, as told to me, might be from the same caster as Dolomite heard it from.

I shoot lead(WW) in my Glocks and dont have a worry at all.

If I do get a bit of lead in the bore, I just shoot a few FMJs and all is good.

[j2flan]

Might want to try it. MBC lube is there for looks more than for lube. I fought a leading problem with their bullets for years until I lubed them with Alox on the advice of a long time cast bullet shooter. Leading when away with no other changes.

 

I have found the MBC bullets tend to be a bit small for some guns. I cast my own now and try to run .002" over the slugged bore diameter.

 

Did try them, as said, no problem. MBC has a HUGE customer base, that swear by them. Although not my favorite bullet.

Not saying that they can`t lead some barrels. Some lubes are better than others, I do load and shoot about 20,000 45 acp 200gr lswc a year and have no or, almost no visable leading after shooting 200 to 400 per range trip. I have never needed to re-lube a already lubed bullet. I get your point, that you can make,and lube, better than you can buy. No doubt

 

The OP wanted to know if he would have to work-up a load for the 12 vs 18 BHN bullet, my answer was, I didn`t think so.

Edited March 21, 2013 by j2flan

[MiddTennTaco]

I just bought a bunch of bullets from Falcon Bullet Company here in TN. Am I supposed to lube them myself before I load them (to prevent leading?)? I noticed all of the bullets have a blue waxy ring on them - I don't even know what THAT's for.

 

.38/357 and 9mm

[Guest GimpyLeg]

w0lfattack, that blue wax ring IS the lube.....  Load 'em and shoot 'em....

[Dolomite_supafly]

And if you see any leading inside of 50 rounds see my post above.

I recommend people slug their bore to determine the correct size cast bullet. A cast bullet is not like a jacketed bullet. Slug the bore then I add .002" to the OD of the bullet.

Most casting companies cast the lion's share of their bullets the same size as jacketed. And this causes leading.

Dolomite

[vujade]

I just picked up a bottle of Lee Alox.   Going to make some loads tonight!  and science experiment this weekend.

 

 

I've only slugged a bore once.  It scared me as I hammered that screwdriver (I wrapped it just in case) through the bore to push the bullet.  I'm curious and want too; just don't know if I can bear it again.