Ruger Forum

BRL · February 19th, 2011, 10:15 PM

Well just got back from shooting lead bullets at the range, and as usual the lead is back.

So I used Chore Boy, and while it is definitely better than a plain bronze brush & solvent alone, it is still labor intensive as far as I'm concerned.

So how about someone knowledgeable answer this queston for me once and for all (sorry if this has already been covered 100 times before):

Is there any reason that shooting a couple of moderately loaded copper jacketed bullets, after a lead bullet shooting session, should be avoided, as far as personal safety or damage to the firearm is concerned?

Flash · February 20th, 2011, 02:26 AM

No, it's not a problem shooting jacketed behind lead but in order to shoot lead without any leading in the barrel, the bore MUST be free of all copper fouling. I mean ALL traces of copper otherwise, you'll have leading right out the gate.

terry_p · February 20th, 2011, 04:34 AM

BRL:

What are you shooting for lead bullets? BHN? What loads are you using? Thought it might be a good idea to try and figure out why you are getting leading in the bore? It's a lot easier if it isn't there rather that trying to figure out how to git rid of it once it is.

BRL · February 20th, 2011, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terry_p

BRL:

What are you shooting for lead bullets? BHN? What loads are you using? Thought it might be a good idea to try and figure out why you are getting leading in the bore? It's a lot easier if it isn't there rather that trying to figure out how to git rid of it once it is.

This was my first time shooting this used revolver after purchase, and beforehand, I had throughly removed all traces of lead that was present, so I had started with a pretty clean barrel.

The load consisted of 5.0 grains of Bullseye, behind a Hornady 240 grain LSWC bullet.

Gee...now that you mention it, that was probably too light of a load to allow obturation, letting escaping gasses travel around the bullet, and thus lead fouling the bore.
Never got a chance to try the 6.0 Bullseye load, so I'll give that a try next time and see if there is any difference as far as lead residue goes.

429421Cowboy · February 20th, 2011, 09:33 AM

I would be slightly cautious to try what you suggest, a good article can be found at BuffaloBore.com I believe under "The Problem With Cowboy Bullets" or maybe just under "Cowboy Bullets" that speaks to exactly what your talking about. Hope this helps, it certainly made me think about things.

FirstTenor · February 20th, 2011, 09:47 AM

A question came to mind while looking at the picture. Are the bullets properly lubricated? I'm sure they are, but thought I'd throw it out there any way.

terry_p · February 20th, 2011, 10:23 AM

My first thought was the opposite of yours that it was a little strong for those bullets. I never had success with that type bullet but had a lot better results with a harder cast bullet. I guessing you are loading a 44 mag and not 44 Special as alliant shows 6.0 gr as max for a cast 240 gr LSWC. My thought is drop down more but as I said I never had success with those bullets in my 38/357 as they gave me the worst leading in a BBL I ever had and I wound up tossing them out of frustration. Good luck and maybe someone that has used them successfully can be more of a help.

BRL · February 20th, 2011, 12:09 PM

Cowboy: I read the article you suggested...OK, scratch the chasing the lead with copper idea!

FirstTenor: I believe the bullets are coated with a lube from the factory...for all the good it did me.

terry_p: Your suggeston has merit.

What I will do is remove all traces of lead again with Chore Boy...*&%#@**!...

, and retry with the 6.0 load.

If the problem persists, or gets even worse...

, then I will go with a harder cast bullet.

Anyone have suggestons as to a good lead bullet brand using Bullseye powder?
I still have quite a bit of that stuff to burn up.

Overall though, a great day of shooting!

The .44 Mag. Blackhawk performed great, and despite the lead buildup, groups hovered around 2-1/2" at 25 yds.

They were however, about 4" above POA with the rear sight lowered as far as it would go.

I need to speed the bullets up a little I think.

BRL · February 20th, 2011, 12:53 PM

HEY!

I just thought up a real Chore Boy time saving idea!

terry_p · February 20th, 2011, 01:03 PM

Check out this thread on cast bullets:

Cast bullets

Let us know how you make out with the max load of 6.0 gr. I'm guessing you won't like the results but hope it works for you.

ColColt · February 20th, 2011, 05:59 PM

From what I've heard the Speer/Hornady clan use some fairly soft bullets-like around BHN 10. You can't drive those very fast without accepting the inevitable. I don't use Bullseye at all but to each his own. I'd try some BHN 12 from Missouri Bullets.

scottrussell · February 21st, 2011, 04:02 AM

I chased a lot of leading and accuracy issues with my SRH in 44 mag. Finally slugged the bore and found out .432 was a must in my gun, made all the differance in the world and no more leading. I bought the gun used so i don't know what the history behind it was. Down side i guess is that i can't shoot jacketed bullets due to sizing issues up side is with cast performance i don't need to.