which bullet is easier on gun?

[Gallahad]

I had always thought that lead bullets (being softer than copper jackets) would make rifleing last longer.  Is this train of thought correct?  Is lead better than jaceted in revolvers as far as gun wear goes? I'd like some thoughts on this if ya got em!

[leverfan]

You are absolutely correct.  Lead will help your barrel last, and the milder powder charges used when shooting lead through modern rifles will also extend barrel life (the more powder you use, the faster it erodes the lands).  The one exception is salvaged range lead or wheel weights that are not properly fluxed and skimmed.  They can be so full of grit that they will lap your barrel into a nearly smooth bore in short order.  It's easy to avoid this, just flux, mix, and skim.

[BrushBuster]

Yes, cast bullets are much easier on a barrel and a wise choice for anyone that owns a "shooter" that they want to pass on to their grandchildren.

Another option is to shoot jacketed bullets that utilize a relatively soft alloy copper jacket. The HAWK BULLET line comes to mind here, and they can provide different thickness jackets to provide specific penetration requirements. The softer jacket also allows increased obturation of the bullet and improved accuracy. Not a good idea to switch back and forth between the two types unless willing to clean the barrel every time. as lead bullets don't get along with a copper gilding.

[Questor]

There's a huge difference in wear. Bullseye shooters routinely put half a million rounds through their barrels before replacing them. But with jacketed bullets, only 5,000 rounds may wear them out.

[ricciardelli]

LEad bullets are "easier" on barrels than jacketed...however...more barrels are ruined by improper cleaning than by bullet wear, and you WILL have to clean more often using lead.