Author Topic: Lead bullets, auto pistols and bore lapping questions  (Read 1350 times)

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Offline jpuke

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Lead bullets, auto pistols and bore lapping questions
« on: March 06, 2010, 10:08:48 AM »
Veral,

I have a Sig P220 that I shoot almost exclusively with lead bullets (and RCBS mold, 230gr RN - sorry, can't afford one of yours just yet) and I just keep getting leading in the first 1" after the chamber.  I switched to LBT soft last week and went out to shoot again yesterday and had the same problem.  I use wheel weights for casting, size to .452", and load them to 760 fps.  The velocity might be different with your lube but this is the velocity I was getting with the same load and different lube.  Suggestions?

I just sent you an order today for what I need to lap a 45 Ruger Blackhawk convertible (45 ACP/45 Colt) and I'm wondering if I need to shoot through both cylinders or just pick the cartridge that I want to shoot the most and do the lapping with that one?  Obviously I'd like to get the polishing effect for both cylinders but I don't know if fire lapping with two different bullets from two different cartridges in the same barrel will cause me problems.

I ordered push-through slugs for my revolver but I'd like to use them for my P220 barrel as well - will this work? 

Thanks,
Jeremy


Offline Veral

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Re: Lead bullets, auto pistols and bore lapping questions
« Reply #1 on: March 06, 2010, 06:08:34 PM »
  I believe your problems will be cured with what you've ordered already. 
  The small amount of lapping which cylinder throat get is not much of a factor in performance, as they only get one bullet per hole for each 6 down the barrel.  Best way to get them to proper size is to polish per the lap instructions using a sized bullet as a guide.  Cylinders should be enlarged, if they need it, before lapping the barrel, because if they are undersize they will size the lap bullet smaller than bore, which will prevent it from reaching groove diameter of the barre.

  45 pistol push through slugs will work for all 45 pistol chamberings, so you can slug both the Sig and the revolver.  I'm quite certain that lapping will cure the Sig permanently.  Pay attention to how the push through slug slides through and see if there is a tight spot just before the area that leads, or if that area is tight or loose.  Do a push through again after lapping to be sure you fixed the problem.  The instructions with come with both the lap kit and the push throughs  are very complete, so you'll be an expert on bores when you are done.  Be sure to post your results here, please, even if it puts egg on my face!  Actually it won't, because leading always has a cause, though it is sometimes a bit  hard to figure out from a distence. 

  I'll do whatever it takes to get you happy with performance.
Veral Smith

Offline jpuke

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Re: Lead bullets, auto pistols and bore lapping questions
« Reply #2 on: March 15, 2010, 01:45:07 AM »
I've already had my cylinder throats reamed to .4525" so I'm ready to go with that.  Do I need to be casting some pure lead bullets for the lapping procedure or will I be OK with wheel weight metal bullets?  Are they lubed like a normal cast bullet when used for lapping?  I know the instructions will come with what I ordered, just want to get a jump on things in the meantime. 

My goal is not to put egg on your face, just get my gun shooting the way I want.

Offline blhof

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Re: Lead bullets, auto pistols and bore lapping questions
« Reply #3 on: March 17, 2010, 03:55:10 AM »
I used pure lead for mine as the softer lead absorbs or grabs more of the lapping particles and expands under the very low pressure used to firelap, and you don't want to lube as the lube may interfere with the lapping process.  I originally got mine for my 357max and ended up lapping all my guns, even my b/p, because it made such an improvement in their performance and cleaner bores.

Offline Veral

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Re: Lead bullets, auto pistols and bore lapping questions
« Reply #4 on: March 20, 2010, 11:17:09 PM »
  jpuke,  Don't ever worry about putting egg on my face.  I carry a big farmer type hankercheif all the time!
  Besides that I like any questions my customers have to be answered before they order if possible, so I'm real patient with being through in answering.  Keeps us both happier!

  I recommend air cooled ww bullets for lapping because it's the hardest alloy that won't spring larger after passing through a constriction, and the harder the bullet the faster the lap compound cuts.  Using pure lead is fine but will require more lapping, but result in a slightly smoother finish.
  IF you use LBT lubed bullets for lapping they will not lap, as the lube prevents it from cutting.  None of the other lubes out there, that I know of will slow the process, but lubing isn't a part of the process.  Don't lube.
Veral Smith

Offline jpuke

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Re: Lead bullets, auto pistols and bore lapping questions
« Reply #5 on: March 22, 2010, 12:52:35 AM »
Thanks for the help!