Cast Bullet Question

[Randy M]

I've been reloading for about a year now.  Currently, I am only handloading for two rounds; the .45 LC and .454 Casull.  Of the two, I have pretty much decided on the .45 LC for my needs in Texas.  My question is what are the advantages/disadvantages of cast vs. jacketed?  I've only used jacketed up until now, with a 250 gr. Hornady XTP being the most accurate for me in .45 LC.  Also, if you were to recommend a store bought cast bullet, what would it be?

If it matters, the firearm I am handloading for is the Ruger SRH in .454/.45 with a 7.5 inch barrel.

Thanks,
Randy M

[jhalcott]

  I'd recommend that YOU cast your own bullets. Cast are usually much cheaper than jacketed, easier on the barrels. Either is deadly and both are accurate. Compare the price of a good mold and 1000 jacketed bullets. When those bullets are gone ,you can
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[gypsyman]

Randy, if you want to try some cast bullets, I would recommend Leadhead Bullets out of Kansas. They make both gas checked and plain base bullets. If your gun is fairly new, or hasn't had many rounds thru it,(less than 500) sometimes you might experience leading in the barrel. This is because the rifling is still being polished while you shooting. A gas checked cast bullet can get you extra velocity without leading the barrel. If you do experience leading, Kleen bore makes a product called Lead Away, which is a cloth impregnated with something(don't know what it is, but it works) and it will get the lead out. Then you can polish the bore with a product called JB polish,from Brownells, that will smooth out the rifling in the barrel. If you decide to get into casting, which can save you ALOT of money, especially nowdays, a propane camp stove and cast iron pot will get you started cheap, just to see if it's something you want to do. We keep trying peace, it usually doesn't work!!Remember(12/7/41)(9/11/01) gypsyman

[Luckyducker]

Randy, I have used Oregon Trail, Hunter, Cast Performance,  and some that came in generic boxes, others that I have forgotten the name and the only requirement I have of a hardcast bullet is that it be of Brinnel Hardness factor of at least 22.  I remember the Oregon Trail are BHF 26 and are guaranteed not to lead the bore but all of the hardcast slugs I have used have been very good and I don't think one was any better than another.  I don't shoot swaged lead bullets.  I tried them once in a 357Mag and they leaded the bore so bad after about 20 rounds I couldn't hardly see the rifling grooves, even though they were loaded pretty light/slow.

[Catfish]

I won`t cast my own handgun bullets, I go through to many of them. First of all if they are for hunting they need to be hard cast and gas checked. I have had good luck with the Cast Performance, but the Lead Head bullets are the ones that really impressed me. I pushed some of them to over 2,500 fps. and them were still shooting accurately with no leading.

[Lloyd Smale]

two cast bullet manufactures i recomend are Mt. Baldy Bullets and Cast Performance Bullets. I know them both personaly and know they take pride in there products and make a good bullet

[HEAD0001]

I get alot of satisfaction from casting my own bullets.  I have shot alot of animals with my own bullets.  I have not had any problems with bullet performance.  However I do not like the "HARD" stuff.  I see no need for hard cast bullets, and hyper velocities.  I can push bullets at 1600 fps without leading.  In a couple of pieces I can even get 1800 fps without leading.  I do not use gas checks, I have never needed them, and see no need for the added expense(I keep all my velocities below 1800 fps-if you go higher velocity then you need them).   These velocities should easily cover your 45 Colt loads.  IMO most leading problems come from mistakes made by the shooter(not always).  Proper sizing, loading, and barrel cleaning are required, but these are requirements for good jacketed loads also.  So again IMO there is no difference.  A big mistake some shooter's do is mix cast, and jacketed at the same time-this can cause problems.  As stated earlier JB your bore, slug your bore, size your bullets.  These simple steps should solve any problems.

I prefer heavy for caliber loads when casting bullets.  For your 45, I would go 250 grains or larger.  You should get good down range performance.  At least to 125 or 150 yards.  This depends on you and your Ruger, your bullets will handle it. 

One last thing when you get good at casting, you will really enjoy it, and it will save you alot of money.  I can easily shoot 500 rounds of 45-70 for less than $100.  And that cost includes all components.  Tom.

[PlacitasSlim]

I have used Lasercast and Meister with good results. They are both hard bullets and normally do not cause leading at .45 Colt velocities.

[Randy M]

Thanks everyone for your input.  This is all great information.

best,
Randy