- Location
- new brunswick
i was wondering if the loading data for standerd jacketed bullets is the same for cast lead bullets?
thanks
thanks
Last edited:
data same for cast as jacketed?
- Thread starter firsttimer
- Start date
- Location
- Saskatchewan
A full power load for jacketed bullets in a modern rifle would not be appropriate for cast loads, too much pressure and speed for a plain lead alloy bullet. Some handgun loads MAY be the same for jacketed and cast, but only for mild rounds like the .38 special. A few old rifle cartridges originally made for black powder may also use jacketed/cast data interchageably. Consult a good manual like Lyman's if in doubt.
- Location
- The Conservative part of Ontario
Lead has less bore friction, and can cause some powders to burn at different rates, or even be totally unsuitable.
Given the same charge, of a powder that does work for both, a lead bullet will generally be faster than it's jacketted counterpart, of the same weight.
If the jacketted charge produces velocities under about 2000fps, it's likely safe for at least a few shots with lead of the same weight. Check for leading of the bore, unburned powder, crappy groups, or wild chronograph readings. If they are all OK, the load works both ways.
Unburned powder is just wasteful and annoying, it may still shoot well.
Most 30-30 Winchester 170 gr bullet data can work both ways, even at full power, with a gas check load. You may see leading with some rifles bullets, or loads.
Given the same charge, of a powder that does work for both, a lead bullet will generally be faster than it's jacketted counterpart, of the same weight.
If the jacketted charge produces velocities under about 2000fps, it's likely safe for at least a few shots with lead of the same weight. Check for leading of the bore, unburned powder, crappy groups, or wild chronograph readings. If they are all OK, the load works both ways.
Unburned powder is just wasteful and annoying, it may still shoot well.
Most 30-30 Winchester 170 gr bullet data can work both ways, even at full power, with a gas check load. You may see leading with some rifles bullets, or loads.
While some shooters have had some sucess in some calibers shooting above 2100 FPS in rifles as a general rules that is the upper limit for cast bullets and then often using gas checks.
The same is generally true of pistol calibers. To get the same velocity using cast bullets you need generally less powder. Too, often powders that work well with jacketed bullets don't do as well as with cast. A good source of infromation is a a Lyman Reloading Manual or this forum:
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/
Shooting cast bullets accurately our of rifles is great fun and a whole different set of dynamics. Enjoy the quest with the silver stream.
Take Care
Bob
The same is generally true of pistol calibers. To get the same velocity using cast bullets you need generally less powder. Too, often powders that work well with jacketed bullets don't do as well as with cast. A good source of infromation is a a Lyman Reloading Manual or this forum:
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/
Shooting cast bullets accurately our of rifles is great fun and a whole different set of dynamics. Enjoy the quest with the silver stream.
Take Care
Bob
