Author Topic: Cast bullet velocity  (Read 1147 times)

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Offline GH1

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Cast bullet velocity
« on: November 02, 2009, 12:22:32 PM »
How fast can I send a cast bullet without excessive leading?  I'm using a .38 cal BBRNFP 125gr in my Taurus .357 with a 4 in barrel.
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Offline stimpylu32

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Re: Cast bullet velocity
« Reply #1 on: November 02, 2009, 01:08:15 PM »
Thats kinda hard to say , it will depend on the alloy , the lube , the powder , and the gun itself .  ???

I've found that the BB style will lead faster than a plain base due to flame cutting on the bevel . You will just have to shoot some to see for sure , I know -- not the answer you were looking for !  :P

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Offline Dee

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Re: Cast bullet velocity
« Reply #2 on: November 02, 2009, 01:41:34 PM »
I've loaded some 4570s for a 1895 cb that were cast 405 grainers. I loaded them up to 1800 fps, with no apparent leading. I stopped because I simply wasn't tough enough to take the punishment.
I just tonight loaded a 158 grain SWC with my own home made lube to 1800 +fps for my Model 92. I'll let you know how that works. The bullets are wheel weights.
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Offline GH1

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Re: Cast bullet velocity
« Reply #3 on: November 03, 2009, 11:39:00 PM »
Mine are 92% lead , 6% antimony, and 2% tin, with  a BHN of 15.  According to the manufacturer, he designed these to be shot at around 1100 fps, and didn't reccommend exceeding 1200.  Unfortunately I don't have a chrony so I can't tell how fast I'm going.  Perhaps I'll write Alliant and see whatthey say about it.
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Online Lloyd Smale

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Re: Cast bullet velocity
« Reply #4 on: November 04, 2009, 12:35:48 AM »
ive had guns lead at 800fps and have shot cast out of rifles at 2500fps without leading. to many varibles to pin down a specific speed but if you have decent gun a decent bullet and decent lube and are sizeing to the proper size a 38 special shouldnt lead up using any alloy at any speed its capable of.
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Offline GH1

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Re: Cast bullet velocity
« Reply #5 on: November 04, 2009, 09:16:37 AM »
You're right Lloyd, the .38 isn't a concern at all.  I'm more worried about the velocities I get out of the .357 rounds.  I guess I'll just have to fire a few & see.
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Offline 454Puma

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Re: Cast bullet velocity
« Reply #6 on: November 04, 2009, 02:21:35 PM »
I've run my cast 125gr out of my BH to 1400! No leading! I've also run them to 2100 fps out of my Marlin '94 CB! Same no leading! ;D These are cast out of WW, water quenched!
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Offline JKF59

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Re: Cast bullet velocity
« Reply #7 on: November 05, 2009, 05:34:23 AM »
When you shoot these lead bullets out of your rifles, do you do anything to the bore such as lapping or can you expect these velocities from a say factory Marlin barrel with proper sizing, alloys and lube?

Offline GH1

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Re: Cast bullet velocity
« Reply #8 on: November 18, 2009, 04:35:55 AM »
I loaded &  a bunch with 7.0 gr of AA # 2 which, according to AA ballistician Johan Loubser, gave me a speed range of 1175-1250 FPS.  With this load I experiencd no fouling.  He recommnded a max load of 7.8gr, which would be a speed range of 1275-1325. I'll try this load & check for fouling.
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Offline Blackhawker

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Re: Cast bullet velocity
« Reply #9 on: November 18, 2009, 04:54:59 AM »
Velocity is only one ingredient for leading a barrel.  Most people think it's the number 1 ingredient but if you read the following article, you'll find there are lots of things that lead to leading a barrel.  Bullet sizing is a factor but as you will see as you read, hardness has most to do with it and the hardness you cast should be dictated by the velocity in which you decide to shoot.

Link:
http://grantcunningham.com/blog_files/15e296c61415e831fecfe8fddcc1dc92-414.html

The posts above which describe very high velocities without leading are probably due to the coincidence that the hardness of the bullets that were used matched the velocities in which they were fired. 

Offline GH1

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Re: Cast bullet velocity
« Reply #10 on: November 18, 2009, 11:45:38 PM »
Great article Blackhawker, very informative.  Thanks for the link.
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Offline Blackhawker

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Re: Cast bullet velocity
« Reply #11 on: November 19, 2009, 03:54:35 AM »
No problem GH1.  I've been in doing a lot of research on cast bullets for use in my 45-70 and 38-55 and then I stumbled across that article which has now pointed me in the right direction for cast bullet types to try.  Hope it comes of use to you too.

Chris

Offline sixshot

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Re: Cast bullet velocity
« Reply #12 on: November 19, 2009, 06:14:28 AM »
  Surprised no one has mentioned the smoothness of the barrel, some barrels need a little conditioning & there are some that seem to lead no matter what. If the bullet fit is correct you can still get leading in a smooth barrel if there's restriction at the barrel threads. If this is the case you will probably have to fire lap that barrel with a few shots to correct the problem.
  Also, shooting a few hundred jacketed slugs can help smooth up a rough barrel & then there shouldn't be any leading.

Dick

Offline GH1

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Re: Cast bullet velocity
« Reply #13 on: November 20, 2009, 09:11:12 AM »
 
  Also, shooting a few hundred jacketed slugs can help smooth up a rough barrel & then there shouldn't be any leading.

Dick
Funny you should mention that, I put about 400 jacket rounds through my .357 before I shot the cast.
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Offline Blackhawker

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Re: Cast bullet velocity
« Reply #14 on: November 20, 2009, 09:23:44 AM »
 
  Also, shooting a few hundred jacketed slugs can help smooth up a rough barrel & then there shouldn't be any leading.

Dick
Funny you should mention that, I put about 400 jacket rounds through my .357 before I shot the cast.
GH1 :)

If you were breaking the barrel in, that's what you should have done.  I don't know if 400 is needed but at least 100.

Offline GH1

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Re: Cast bullet velocity
« Reply #15 on: November 22, 2009, 03:34:42 AM »
I wasn't doing it to break in my barrel, it's what I had to shoot at the time.  I guess I lucked out in that regard.  I'll be heading to the range today with some hotter loads, I'll give a leading report.
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