lead bullets

[NattyBumpo]

in the mid 70s I used lead bullets in .357 mag. in a S&W 27 8 3/8" barrel and the barrel leaded up so much that I have not used lead bullets since then except in lower velocity cartridges like 38 S&W. I recently made a new friend who does not use any jacketed bullets and handloads much more than I do and I now wonder if something has changed about lead bullets that I do not know about. I very much respect my new friend's view and with my questions to him he directed me to you. Do modern lead bullets still foul the rifling more than jacketed bullets and if they do is there now an easy way to clear it. My friend also said he can load lead bullets to the  same velocities as jacketed bullets and get the same performance. This information is contrary to what I had always heard in the past. My question is, do you believe his conclusions are true and why? Thank You

[blhof]

Lead hasn't changed much, but lubes have and some of leading problems can be traced to lube failure, but there are many reasons for leading; rough bore, wrong size bullets, too hard or too soft for the particular job.  I've used cast bullets for years and had no problems, when the things that cause leading are addressed.  Veral's book is very detailed on the problems and solutions for using cast bullets.

[Veral]

  That bugger who told you all this probably heard it from me!
  I recommend that shooters NEVER clean their barrels, once they get their lead bullets working without leading.  As BLHF stated, get my book, Jacketed Performance with Cast bullets.  The name states it purpose for being, and points to precisely what the information in it is about.  You'll learn about everything that effects lead bullet performance, how to make and use lead for various purposes, trouble shoot any problem and fix it quickly.  Including how to clean lead from a bore quickly and easily.  You may get some leading during your learning process, but if you use LBT bullet lube and follow my recommendations, you'll forget that little issue very quickly.

  It isn't about modern lead bullets, because most commercial cast bullets still lead horribly with full handgun loads, and tend to be woefully inaccurate, by my standards, which quickly become the standards of readers of the above book.  Also, keep in mind, if you buy LBT products I stand behind all my bragging, and will help walk any newcomers (and old pros) through their problems by personal email.  Normally an email or two solves any problems, which are normally due to customers not clearly understanding all the literature I ship with my products, or my book.

  For more info, hit the LBT website at                 LBTMoulds.com