Bulk bullets for FA 97

[HGunner]

I have had limited success with the laser cast bullets in my 45 colt and no luck with these bullets in my 44 special (fair accuracy and leading with a variety of loads).  The least expensive trouble free bullets I have found for these guns are the Hornady XTPs but I am paying almost 25 cents a bullet.  I would sure like to find some good shooting bullets in the 15 cent range that won't lead up the barrel.  It's mainly the extra cleaning time that bugs me.  It takes me twice as long to clean a gun after shooting the laser cast.  I am hoping for specific suggestions for the FA 97 regarding vendor, sizing, alloy (if that is an option), etc.  I do not want to cast my own just yet.


Thanks,  HGunner

[benny123]

I think if leading, low cost, and cleanliness, are musts then plated bullets are a good option. I figured you want plinking loads primarily, so the fact that most dont have cannelures shouldn' present an issue. Id think a mild taper crimp would do just fine
 
I just bought a box of 500 Berry's, or maybe Rainier(sp.), 45acp for about $75. Sure they were 230s but I imagine a .452 250gr, or thereabout, wouldn't cost a whole lot more
 
I feel the H XTPs--esp Mags--have a pretty good jacketing for hunting but a waste of $ for casual shootin'.

[Steve P]

Leadhead's gas checked cast bullets work good in the FA.  <">https://secure25.securewebsession.com/proshootpro.com/order.htm>  If link doesn't work for you do a search for leadhead bullets.  Lots of the IHMSA shooters use them.  I use some of the same bullets cast by a buddy of mine.  Shoot great out of my FA 357 and FA 41.
 
Steve

[Graybeard]

I reckon it depends on how fast you are wanting to shoot them. If like me you try to keep the velocity in the general range of 1000 fps or less I can offer you some suggestions but iffen you are trying to magnumize them then what I use ain't gonna work and I kinda doubt much other than a GC cast bullet or one with a jacket is gonna get the job done.

So how fast are you wanting them to be moving?

[HGunner]

I'd be happy with 1000 fps.  The laser cast 250 SWC works well at 25 yards in my FA 97 45 Colt but this bullet has a short wide nose and seems to become unstable by 50 yards.  It'll shoot 1" at 25 but I have trouble shooting 5" at 50.  I don't see this discrepancy with the 250 XTP.


With the 44 special my throats are .430 and the laser cast measure .432 and lead with every load I've tried.

[Graybeard]

I'm using the Magnus brand Lyman 429421 Keith in .44 Special at right at 1000 fps with no leading. For the .45 Colt I'm using the Speer 250 swaged bullet at similar velocity with no leading. Both are pushed with Unique and 2400. Accuracy is better than my shaky hands and tired old eyes are up to these days.

Both can be had from GBO Sponsor Midsouth Shooter's Supply. www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=00051709 This one is currently out of stock but can be ordered directly from Magnus an Alabama bullet caster.

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=000214684 This one is currently in stock.

[HGunner]

I may give that Speer 45 swaged bullet a try.  Is the nose length compatible with the FA 97?

[Graybeard]

I don't have my FA97 .45 Colt any longer, wish I did but don't.

I did go measure my ammo and it is 1.635" overall loaded length. I don't recall if that is OK for the FA97 or not. I have a couple of Ruger guns now and it fits both my BH and flat top BH.

I have some other bulk bullets that load up shorter if you think that is too long but it really has become one of my favorite bullets for my two Ruger 45s.

[HGunner]

Sounds like they would fit.  With light loads crimp jump should be a non-issue.  Thanks for the info.

[gcrank1]

Your stated troubles sound like you have been using bullets of too small a dia.; such will do all you have indicated. What are the cylinder throat size(s) and bullet dia.s you have?

[HGunner]

Throats are .430 and bullets are .431 SWCs with bevel base.  I should probably try benny's plated bullet suggestion but for now I am plinking with XTPs I buy on sale because they are cheaper than gas checked  bullets.  I hate scrubbing lead from barrels.

[gcrank1]

Is the barrel groove dimension greater than .430?