reloading hard cast in 40s&w

[original]

Hello.  I guess this is more a general pistol question because it have a sp101 3" barrel and  a Usp40 compact and have been shooting  hardcast(no gaschecks)  and have noticed after 20 shots or so it does get pretty dirty.   I have been told this is one of the cleaner powders.   Is there a way to keep the soot down?     Is there any kind of tricks as far as hard cast to keep it shooting cleaner?   would pushing it or a ligher bullet faster burn more of the powder,   Is the soot more of a short barrel problem?    thanks   

[Savage]

I load .40 primarily with the 170gr LSWC @ Brinnel18 to a 165 PF. The bullet lube causes a large part of the fowling. The powder used is less of a factor. I suspect you have some leading as well. You either have to develop a good cleaning regiment or go with a plated or jacketed bullet to completely solve the problem.
Savage

[GH1]

What powder are you using? Does the soot clean easily? If it does it's not lead fouling. It could very well be the bullet lube burning.
GH1

[Lloyd Smale]

Like savage said your lube will cause most of the fouling and smoke. Harder lubes will reduce it but will also not be as good as far as a lube goes. I never was one that got real anal about dirty guns.

[original]

Yes I didn't even think about the lube making it dirty.   Someone did explain that on one of these posts a while ago but I forgot all about it til you guys reminded me.  It actually does wipe off pretty easy and did ot notice any leading.   I have been keeping the rounds put through it at the range to a min.   looks like I need to bring some cleaning stuff or crack the wallet open a bit and go with jacket but I like to low cost of the cast so it looks like a simple cleaning kit will be on the list.   thanks for the info and again great group of guys on here.     

[Lloyd Smale]

can of carburator cleaner, hose it out then oil it.