lead bullet expansion?

[nkhunter]

I'm curious is one can expect lead bullets to expand specifically hornady 240 gr swc hollow points? Do they expand at handgun velocity? I'm looking at using them as a replacement for xtp's in a sabot for muzzleloading. What would be better? cast or swaged?

[BIG Dog454]

I would use swedged.  Cast bullets are usually made with a lead alloy, making them harder and thus making them more difficult to expand.  Swedged  lead is soft.

[Questor]

It depends on the hardness of the bullet. My opinion for cast bullets, is that it is better to have a bullet that penetrates straight and doesn't expand. Especially when shooting big hogs.

I would not use swaged bullets for hunting big game that requires significant penetration. Broadside shots at whitetails are OK, but as soon as a soft 44 magnum bullet hits bone, it deforms badly and loses effectiveness. It is much better to have a hard bullet that will drive through bone and tough tissue.

Many experienced handgun hunters prefer today's well designed hollow point jacketed bullets for deer and hogs. I haven't got any experience with them yet, but  I intend to use them on my next hog hunt. 

[Castaway]

I cast two different alloys for pistol cartridge hunting.  If I'm shooting from my 45 Black Hawk at 1,200 f/s, I go with straight wheel weights.  If the bullet is going to be launched from my Trapper at around 1,500 f/s, it's 50:50 ww and lead.