Is it possible to copper plate lead bullets at home?

Sgt Striker

Sgt Striker

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Does anyone know if this can be done, with out a real great cost. I mean to elector plate copper onto lead bullets??

The reason I'm asking, I'm looking into reloading for a semi-auto rifle that is just a bit rare, and I will have to make my own bullets for it. I guess if this can't be done, I will just harden the lead instead.
 
Cyanide is required to elctroplate copper onto lead bullets.

Do you really want to work with a chemical as dangerous as cyanide?

The other thing to factor in is the cost of equipment. You would have to electroplate a huge quantity of bullets to recover your start up investment.

There are some really good quantity prices on plated bullets. I used to cast my own but now I find it not worth the effort. I'd rather be shooting than casting.:D
 
There are some on sale, just make sure that you can't buy the one you're looking for. Also, it could be cheaper to make a gas check than copper bullets.
 
If I recall, I think it was Steve on 303British.com, I forgot the CGN handle and name, its just sliped my memory.

But anyways the bullets he was making for 303's were all jacketed and the jackets start out life as spent .22 LR caseings. He bought all the equipment to stretch and bend them into bullets.

I think he described the procedure in a thread here, may have been before the crash.
 
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What caliber or bullet diameter jacketed bullet are you needing? There is just about everything out there somewhere. Also why would a lead bullet not work? Some jacketed bullets too big can be swaged down a couple of thou, by forcing them through a die. GOTO www.ch4d.com look up "bullet sizing dies". The next thing you can do is SWAGE your own jacketed bullets. Do a search of ( BULLET SWAGING), there is some info at CH4D but there are other sites with lots more info. But it can be expensive.
 
I'm looking to reload the German 7.92x33 Kurz round. I've found some brass, but the bullet may be a problem. I've been thinking maybe I'll get the RCBS bullet mould they have for the 7.63x39 (a spire point and 125gns) and try a trick an old reloader told me about. You get a cylinder bored out to "8mm", drop the bullet in it, and us a "formed punch" that won't deform the point, and give it a tape with a hammer, to "fatten" the bullet against the cylinder walls. If it works, I will also use an 8mm sizer bullet die and heat treat the bullets of make them harder (gas checked as well)..... So how does that sound, and I'm going to forget about the copper thingy... :D

I found some repro Kurz 125gn bullets in the States for sale, but they're made from solid brass, and just a little pricey...
 
www.leeprecision.com will make a custom lead bullet mold. Cost will be around $150 U.S.. Or you could get the next size up to what you need and size down. Or maybe ask LEE for an oversize 7.62x39 mold they must have some that are out of spec. Explain what your needs are they may be able to help. If it is oversize you can size it down . Lee is about the cheapest for experimental stuff like this, for custom molds and sizers.
 
I believe One of the big bullet makers make a 125gr 8mm bullet. Hornady?

EDIT: Product number 3230 125gr .323 diameter JSP
 
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I would think you should be OK with an 8mm bullet mould and sizer; the 0.08 mm difference (0.003 inch) should not be a problem with cast lead bullets that you will not be able to load to the max any way. Get an 8mm jacketed bullet (accurately measure the diameter to verify that it is not over 8mm), then insert it into an empty case to see if it will chamber; if the leade in the barrel is sufficient, you may find that you will be able to seat the bullet to the depth where it will chamber without difficulty.
 
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