lead build up problem Need HELP

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Gasanwu

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I reload .40 and .45 for both my Norc Gov't 1911 and CZ Tactical Sport. In both of which I used lead bullets. The build up of lead in the CZ barrel is frightening, after like 50 rounds or something I could see some "lines or spikes" looking things hanging off from the two sides of the land in the barrel. And when I take the gun home for cleaning after a couple hours at the range, the stuff is a ##### to clean out! The same isn't found in the Norc barrel... is that because it's chrome lined or just bigger tolerances? Need help and advices on how to get rid of them damn lead build ups.
 
probably the 45 isn't going fast enough to get you up into the range where leading occurs- the "magic" number is around 1000 fps or slightly higher depending on what the bullet composition it is and wheter it was cast or swaged- you might try putting a jacketed at the bottom of each magazine to help with the cleaning out- that's what i do- or a round of factory- or go to a harder cast bullet- as for the 40 , i'm sure it's a combination of too fast and or possibly 'soft' bullets
 
T-star hit it.

Try either a harder lead alloy or reducing the load speed, keep the velocity under about 1000fps then you will get much less lead build up.

This may mean going to a heavier bullet if you still want kick or PF for IPSC.
 
hummm... I guess I'm in a bad spot here... I'm loading 170 grain bullets, which means the velocity has to make just at or tiny bit above 1000 ft/s for me to make major... I should probably switch to heavier bullets...
 
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Recipe for lead removal : mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar in a pan and completely soak the barrel for no more than 10 minutes. Rinse off with water. Remove lead with a patch then soak barrel in baking soda and water and oil lightly. Don't forget to wash your hands.
 
Another thing I find helps is to save a few jacketed rounds for session end. Fire a those when you are done tossing lead down range. For me, that removes quite a bit of the leading. Not all of it mind you, but definitely saves some time in cleaning later.
 
bladerogers said:
Another thing I find helps is to save a few jacketed rounds for session end. Fire a those when you are done tossing lead down range. For me, that removes quite a bit of the leading. Not all of it mind you, but definitely saves some time in cleaning later.
Click to expand...

OK, so you've got a build up of lead in the corners of the lands and grooves, and you're driving a harder bullet sized .001 larger than the bore diameter down the barrel. In a perfect world, you've got a sharp edged copper jacketed steam shovel, plowing all the lead that lays in it's path out of the way.

In the real world, you are swaging a portion of the lead build up into the barrel. At the same time, since the bore is marginally obstructed, the chamber pressure is higher than average because the bullet free movement is restricted, and the bullet has to swage down to get past the obstruction. Of course, being a .40 S&W, it's already running fairly high pressures.

Do me a favour. Wait until you've got empty booths on either side of you.
 
option 1: buy a lewis lead remover
option 2: go buy copper mesh scrubbing pad, cut it up and wrap around worn brush
option 3: buy Outers foul out kit for lead
option 4: switch to plated bullets for the the .40

Pat
 
LOL Canuck223!!! Yeah, that's pretty much what I thought to, before a long time member at the gun club suggested that, and others confirmed that they do the same thing. He's been doing it since he started using SWCs, and far as I know, never had an issue. Had he had an issue, I doubt he would've advised me to do so. I think this is fairly common practice actually, anyone else here not agree with me? Have I been taught by one more knowledgable then I to do something that is actually not good practice? All I know is, it works for me!

Actually, I should specify to, I only put lead through my 45 currently(norinco 1911), and my 38 S&W webley, though, I just clean the webley, as very little leading is evident (my loads are pushing around 700 ft per/sec according to the Speers reloading manual). I have NEVER done this with a 40 S&W, so perhaps I should not be so quick to make a suggestion like this regarding a caliber and/or pistol I have never practiced this procedure on.
 
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you are going to get some leading no matter what, but really it's no big deal. accuracy might not even be much of an issue. ideally the bullet should measure about one thou more larger then the barrel grooves to minimize leading, simple enough if you cast your own but not practical for most of us. a bit of lead in a handgun barrel usually won't be a problem, just give it a quick clean after a shooting session and forget about it.
 
My friend was showing me how to clean lead out of a Walther P38. He fired a round of 2Z nato spec through the gun.The front sight fell off. The bulge was right under the sight and it opened up the dovetail allowing the sight to fall off. A good way to get those pesky front sights off but hard on the barrels.
 
I had a batch of soft lead bullets that leaded my barrel fairly quickly. I just rolled them around in a little Lee liquid alox before I loaded them and presto, no more problem.

Auggie D.
 
Auggie Doggie has a good suggestion. Good ol' Lee Alox (i.e. tumble lube stuff). I have used it for thousands and thousands of bullets with good results.
 
I have found as (previously mentioned) that wrapping a bore brush with some brass or copper pot scouring pad is the quickest way to get rid of a pesky lead problem, way more effective than any lead solvent or treated patches. For cleaning revolver cylinders just chuck the wrapped brush in a cordless drill and you will be done in a minute or so. I wrap enough on the brush so it is a snug fit in the bore, and wrap a touch more on when doing cylinders. One plus of this system is that your brushes can re-built indefinitely. I always clean my brushes after use, because it is hard to tell when you are actually clean if your brush is full of dirt.
 
The easiest way to "get the lead out" is to buy some copper scouring pads at the dollar store. When you clean your gun cut a small piece of the scouring pad and wrap it around your bronze brush. Run it through the bore a few times and the lead will be gone. TC
 
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