Lead or Jacketed?

[mississaugagunnut]

So I am well on my way now into the reloading hobby. I have reloaded both 9mm and 45acp and have good loads for both that cycle 100% and are accurate. Up to this time I have used Rn jacketed bullets. I understand that lead bullets are cheaper.

I have 2 questions, will lead bullets foul my barrels more than jacketed ones? Is there a lot more work involved in loading lead bullets?

Thanks

 

[Boolitcaster]

Most 45s are very cast bullet friendly while many 9mms are a bit more finicky.
My 9mm shoots cast 90% of the time with mild loads and no leading.
Some 9mms are definately not cast bullet friendly, with Glocks probably topping the list.

To load cast you will have to flare your case mouths slightly so as not to shave lead when seating the bullet.
Your dies will have to cleaned more frequently with mineral spirits to remove the excess lube and lead shavings that will accumulate and eventually interfere with bullet seating.

 

[notsorichguy]

^x2

 

[SandRoad]

One more thing you will find with lead, is that they are "smokey", especially noticeable if shooting indoors. This is from the bullet lube burning off, not the powder.

My preference is plated. Cost is between lead and jacketed.

 

[blaser.306]

with the correct alloy ( hardness ) and proper lube and sized 1-2 thou over the groove diameter of your BBL. both will shoot with good to great accuracy. As far as extra work while reloading there is no extra steps regarding case prep with handgun calibers. You are already flaring your case mouth on a straight wall casing anyway . The only time you would add an extra operation is if you are loading bottleneck casings in that case you would be well served to get a Lyman "m" die to do the case neck prep.PS if you want to (not) appear to be shooting black-powder loads , even though it does work try and avoid the Lee ( Mule snot ) alox ! It will smoke alot.